France restarts SCALP missile production after 15-year pause
Photo: France resumes production of SCALP cruise missiles (x.com/SebLecornu)
France, together with its allies, has resumed production of SCALP/Storm Shadow cruise missiles for the first time in 15 years. They have proven themselves since the beginning of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, according to Minister of the Armed Forces of France Sébastien Lecornu.
"Production of SCALP missiles to equip our forces will resume in 2025, 15 years after our last order," the French minister said.
According to him, the French-British SCALP/Storm Shadow missiles supplied to Ukraine have demonstrated their effectiveness in modern high-intensity combat operations.
"As a joint venture between France, the UK, Italy and Germany, MBDA is a symbol of Europe's leading defense industry," Lecornu added.
About SCALP missiles
France first handed over long-range SCALP missiles to Ukraine in 2023. In July 2023, it was reported that the Defense Forces would receive 50 missiles. In January 2024, French leader Emmanuel Macron announced the delivery of another 40 units.
Missile characteristics:
- length - 5.1 meters;
- body diameter - 630 mm;
- weight - 1300 kilograms;
- operational range, according to the developer, is 560 kilometers.
There is also an export version that has a shorter range and a lighter warhead.
