Ukraine prepares powerful upgrade for Storm Shadow/SCALP-EG missiles
Destroyed Russian military equipment (Photo: Getty Images)
France and the UK are planning further modernization of the Storm Shadow/SCALP‑EG cruise missiles, which will increase targeting accuracy and expand the combat capabilities of existing systems, according to a report by Defense Express.
Read also: Ukraine in talks with RTX to accelerate Patriot missile supplies
Development of the new Mk2 modification
Information has emerged online about the start of joint work on a new Mk2 modification of the Storm Shadow (France) and SCALP‑EG (UK) cruise missiles, which could begin as early as 2026.
The modernization is expected to affect the guidance system, including GPS and TERCOM, during the cruise phase, as well as the infrared imaging camera on the terminal trajectory.
As a result, the missiles will be able to detect targets more accurately and adjust their flight path in complex conditions.
Maintaining compatibility with existing stockpiles
It is expected that the missile design will not undergo radical changes, allowing munitions already in storage to be upgraded to the new Mk2 standard.
At the same time, other missile components may also be improved, although precise technical details have not yet been disclosed.
There has been no official confirmation of the start of development so far, so the information remains preliminary.
History of modernizations
In the summer of 2025, the British cabinet announced the resumption of Storm Shadow/SCALP‑EG production, mentioning an increase in their capabilities.
It is likely that this referred to the planned Mk2 modernization. The missile project has been ongoing since the 1990s, and in 2017, existing models underwent a Mid-Life Refurbishment (MLU), updating the guidance system and extending their service life to 2032.
Germany became the first EU country to develop its own missile detection system, aiming to reduce dependence on the United States in defense and enhance protection against potential strikes by Russian Hazelnut weapons.
Meanwhile, in the US, a successful live-fire test of the Rusty Dagger cruise missile was conducted under the ERAM program, developed to meet Ukraine’s needs. This confirms that the American response to Kyiv’s request for long-range weaponry is producing tangible results.
