Latest news with #SCALP
India.com
30-07-2025
- Politics
- India.com
After Op Sindoor, IAF expanding stockpile of THIS deadly missile which devastated Pakistan, has 560 km range, stealth capabilities, name is…, not BrahMos, Agni
IAF's SCALP missiles devastated terror targets in Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. (File) SCALP Missile: The Indian Air Force (IAF) showcased its wide array of powerful missiles and fighter jets, including the SCALP long-range cruise missile and the homegrown BrahMos super-sonic missiles during Operation Sindoor, which wreaked widespread destruction on Pakistani military infrastructure during the nearly 4-day long conflict. Why IAF is boosting SCALP missile stockpile? Now, due to its spectacular success during the recent India-Pakistan conflict, the IAF is reportedly pushing to bolster its arsenal of SCALP missiles, while the Indian Navy has also ordered the long-range missiles for its fleet of 26 Rafale-M fighter jets, which are expected to be delivered in early 2028. During Operation Sindoor, the IAF deployed SCALP missiles from its Rafale fighter jets to target and destroy airbase hangars, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) storage units and military command centers across Pakistan. How powerful are IAF's SCALP missiles? Designed and developed by European arms maker MBDA, the 'Système de Croisière Autonome à Longue Portée' (SCALP), also known as Storm Shadow missiles in the UK, is a stealthy, air-launched long-range cruise missile designed to penetrate heavily guarded airspace and strike high-value targets with surgical precision. Boasting a range of over 560 km, the SCALP carries a dual-stage warhead, and is uses advanced navigation systems, including GPS, aerial enhanced guidance and geo-referenced navigation, to make precision strikes on its target with a circular error probable (CEP) of less than one meter. How SCALP missiles devastated Pakistan during Op Sindoor? According to Indian armed forces, SCALP missiles fired from Rafale jets destroyed nine terror bases as well as critical Pakistani military infrastructure such as airbase hangars housing fighter jets, UAV storage units housing drones supplied by China, and command centers, during the four-day long India-Pakistan war that followed Operation Sindoor. IAF's Rafale fighter jets fired SCALP missiles from standoff distances without stepping into the range of Pakistan's air defense systems, and were able to deliver crippling strikes on enemy targets, they said. The 560 km range of SCALP enabled India's Rafales to strike enemy targets with deadly precision without the need to venture into contested airspace, while the stealth features of the missile made it highly difficult for enemy air defense system to track and intercept.
Axios
16-07-2025
- Business
- Axios
U.K. and France recommit to Storm Shadow missile and its successor
The U.K. and France committed to buying additional Storm Shadow cruise missiles, wielded in the Russia-Ukraine war, while also pursuing a more sophisticated replacement. Why it matters: It's a sign of deepening relations between London and Paris, where the missile is known as SCALP. The deal falls under an updated Lancaster House Agreement, which details military and defense-tech cooperation between the two governments. The latest: Storm Shadow production lines will be upgraded, supporting 300-plus jobs at multinational contractor MBDA, while the next phase of a "project for both deep strike and anti-ship missiles" moves forward, according to a joint announcement. British and French defense chiefs John Healey and Sébastien Lecornu recently visited an MBDA facility. The latter posted on X: "Production of SCALP missiles to equip our forces will resume in 2025, 15 years after our last order." Zoom out: The Ukrainian military has lobbed Storm Shadows at Russian forces despite Moscow's warning of retaliation.
South Wales Guardian
10-07-2025
- Politics
- South Wales Guardian
UK and France order more Storm Shadow missiles and step up military co-operation
Storm Shadow, or as the French call it SCALP, is a long-range missile which has been supplied by both the British and French to Ukraine, allowing Kyiv to strike targets deep inside Russian territory. The two countries have discussed co-operation on a replacement for years but, as French president Emmanuel Macron visits the UK, the nations will commit on Thursday towards the next phase of the project for Storm Shadow's successor. The joint development will help to sustain more than 1,300 jobs in the UK, according to the Government. On the third day of Mr Macron's UK state visit, he and Sir Keir Starmer will also agree to deepen nuclear ties. Britain and France, the only two nuclear powers in Europe, will state in a declaration that their nuclear deterrents – while independent – can be co-ordinated, with the aim of deterring threats like Russia from attacking Europe. The declaration comes at a time when Donald Trump's US administration is calling on European Nato powers to take on a larger role in the alliance. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: 'From war in Europe, to new nuclear risks and daily cyber-attacks – the threats we face are multiplying. 'As close partners and Nato allies, the UK and France have a deep history of defence collaboration and today's agreements take our partnership to the next level. 'We stand ready to use our shared might to advance our joint capabilities – equipping us for the decades to come while supporting thousands of UK jobs and keeping our people safe.' Defence Secretary John Healey said: 'The UK and France are stepping up together to meet today's threats and tomorrow's challenges. We are committed to driving defence as an engine for growth, delivering better fighting capabilities faster, and ensuring our armed forces can operate side by side – from the High North to the Black Sea. 'This partnership strengthens our leadership in Europe, ensures continued support for Ukraine, and sends a clear signal to our adversaries that we stand stronger, together.' Building on the 2010 Lancaster House treaties between France and the UK, the two countries will also bolster a shared military venture, known as the Combined Joint Force. They also plan to forge closer military industrial ties, including in AI and direct energy weapons, as part of a programme dubbed the 'Entente Industrielle' by the UK Government.
North Wales Chronicle
10-07-2025
- Politics
- North Wales Chronicle
UK and France order more Storm Shadow missiles and step up military co-operation
Storm Shadow, or as the French call it SCALP, is a long-range missile which has been supplied by both the British and French to Ukraine, allowing Kyiv to strike targets deep inside Russian territory. The two countries have discussed co-operation on a replacement for years but, as French president Emmanuel Macron visits the UK, the nations will commit on Thursday towards the next phase of the project for Storm Shadow's successor. The joint development will help to sustain more than 1,300 jobs in the UK, according to the Government. On the third day of Mr Macron's UK state visit, he and Sir Keir Starmer will also agree to deepen nuclear ties. Britain and France, the only two nuclear powers in Europe, will state in a declaration that their nuclear deterrents – while independent – can be co-ordinated, with the aim of deterring threats like Russia from attacking Europe. The declaration comes at a time when Donald Trump's US administration is calling on European Nato powers to take on a larger role in the alliance. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: 'From war in Europe, to new nuclear risks and daily cyber-attacks – the threats we face are multiplying. 'As close partners and Nato allies, the UK and France have a deep history of defence collaboration and today's agreements take our partnership to the next level. 'We stand ready to use our shared might to advance our joint capabilities – equipping us for the decades to come while supporting thousands of UK jobs and keeping our people safe.' Defence Secretary John Healey said: 'The UK and France are stepping up together to meet today's threats and tomorrow's challenges. We are committed to driving defence as an engine for growth, delivering better fighting capabilities faster, and ensuring our armed forces can operate side by side – from the High North to the Black Sea. 'This partnership strengthens our leadership in Europe, ensures continued support for Ukraine, and sends a clear signal to our adversaries that we stand stronger, together.' Building on the 2010 Lancaster House treaties between France and the UK, the two countries will also bolster a shared military venture, known as the Combined Joint Force. They also plan to forge closer military industrial ties, including in AI and direct energy weapons, as part of a programme dubbed the 'Entente Industrielle' by the UK Government.
The Sun
10-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
UK and France to coordinate nuclear deterrents against Europe threats
LONDON: The UK and France have agreed to coordinate their independent nuclear deterrents in response to any severe threat to Europe. The declaration, set to be signed on Thursday, confirms that while each nation retains control over its nuclear capabilities, they will act jointly if necessary. The UK Ministry of Defence and the French presidency stated that the agreement ensures no extreme threat to Europe will go unanswered by both countries. French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will formalise the deal during a bilateral summit in London, marking the end of Macron's three-day state visit. The summit will also focus on strengthening defence cooperation, including joint missile development and nuclear collaboration. Both nations plan to increase orders for Storm Shadow cruise missiles, known as SCALP in France, and accelerate work on a next-generation replacement system. These missiles have been critical in supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression. The renewed partnership, dubbed an 'Entente Industrielle,' aims to make defence a driver of economic growth. Starmer emphasised the deep history of UK-France defence collaboration, calling the new agreements a significant upgrade. Additionally, Macron and Starmer will join a virtual meeting of the 'coalition of the willing' on Ukraine, reinforcing international support for Kyiv. The summit also addresses curbing illegal cross-Channel migration and broader security concerns. - AFP
