France has announced the return of SCALP cruise missile production after a long break of 15 years. This move has gained attention across Europe and marks an important step in strengthening France’s defense capabilities.
France Restarts SCALP Missile Production After 15 Years
The SCALP missile, known as Storm Shadow in the United Kingdom, delivers powerful long-range strikes. It offers high precision and proves highly effective in high-intensity combat.
MBDA, a major European defense company, develops this advanced missile. The company plans to restart its production in 2025. MBDA is a joint venture between four European countries—France, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Germany. This collaboration brings together technical expertise and industrial strength from across the continent.
The last order for these missiles was placed 15 years ago. Since then, no new SCALP missiles have been produced, although the weapon remained in service. With the increasing use of these missiles in modern warfare, especially in the recent conflict in Ukraine, the need for fresh production has become more urgent.
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SCALP/Storm Shadow Missile Demonstrates High Impact
The SCALP missile strikes targets from a long distance with extreme accuracy. Fighter jets launch the missile, allowing it to hit deeply buried or well-defended targets. This makes it a valuable tool for strategic attacks without putting ground forces in danger.
The missile has a range of over 250 kilometers, allowing it to destroy key targets like ammunition depots, radar stations, and command centers. It is equipped with a powerful warhead and advanced guidance systems. Once launched, it flies at low altitude to avoid radar detection and reaches its target with high precision.
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Its role in the war in Ukraine has shown its true potential. Ukrainian forces using SCALP/Storm Shadow missiles have managed to hit important military infrastructure with accuracy. These attacks have disrupted enemy operations and shown how effective the missile can be in real battlefield situations. This real-world performance has made the SCALP missile even more valuable in the eyes of defense planners.
The SCALP’s success has also highlighted the importance of advanced weapons in today’s combat environment. Unlike older systems, engineers build modern missiles like SCALP for speed, stealth, and accuracy. Commanders choose these missiles for high-risk missions. They reduce the danger faced by ground troops and aircraft.
Europe’s Defense Industry Takes Center Stage
Restarting SCALP missile production is not just about building more weapons—it also reflects the strength of Europe’s defense industry. MBDA, the company behind SCALP, represents a joint effort by several European countries to work together in building cutting-edge defense technology.
Multiple countries follow a shared manufacturing process to build the missile. Factories in France make some parts, while facilities in the UK, Germany, and Italy produce the others. This cooperation helps ensure a steady supply of parts and reduces dependence on any single country.
The decision to restart production is also important for maintaining industrial capability. Defense factories and skilled workers need ongoing projects to stay active. By bringing SCALP production back online, countries can keep their defense industries healthy and prepared for future challenges.
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This move comes at a time when many countries in Europe are reviewing their military needs and equipment levels. While the decision to resume production was influenced by current events, it also supports long-term defense planning and cooperation between allies.
The SCALP missile, with its advanced features and proven battlefield use, is now set to be produced again after a long pause. This step ensures that France and its European partners have access to one of the most effective cruise missiles in their arsenal.