France and the United Kingdom have unveiled plans to continue producing the Storm Shadow/SCALP-EG air-launched cruise missile. This decision is motivated by the shared ambition to not only replenish military stocks depleted by deliveries to Ukraine, but also to revive their domestic defense manufacturing sectors. The offensive weapon, which plays a pivotal role in the arsenals of the UK’s Royal Air Force and France’s Air and Space Force, has seen significant operation in the Ukrainian conflict, particularly employed by the country’s Su-24 Fencers.
This decision presents two notable benefits. Firstly, it enables the UK and France to replenish depleted weapon stores in light of continuous tensions. Secondly, it fosters economic vitality by invigorating their respective defense manufacturing industries. As well as these twin benefits, the move also mirrors the proactive approach of Britain, France, and Germany towards reinforcing the eastern flank of NATO against potential threats from Russia.
Photographs released by official sources offer a glimpse of two near-completed Storm Shadows/SCALP-EG missiles on the production line. Certain elements, however, await final assembly, integration and testing. Intriguingly, red protective caps are featured on the missile’s front section, which are believed to cover a DSMAC (Digital Scene Matching Area Correlator) sensor that becomes active in the final stages of an attack.
Technical details reveal the stealthy missile’s impressive specifications. With a weight of 1300 kilograms and a length exceeding five meters, the projectile is purpose-built to strike strategic targets from a considerable distance, thereby keeping friendly aircrafts and their crews at a safe distance. This model is specialized for assaulting heavily fortified and high-value objectives, fulfilling a niche capability within the broader scope of air-to-ground weaponry.
Exploring its operational history sheds light on the Storm Shadow’s extensive combat use. The missile first saw action during the Libyan Air War in 2011, being deployed by RAF and Italian Tornado aircraft. Public records show that the Storm Shadow houses a sizable 450 kg conventional warhead and touts a range well beyond 250 km, positioning it as a formidable weapon in the arsenal of any force.
The operational debut of the Storm Shadow by the Typhoon aircraft was during a mission targeting Islamic State operatives in Iraq. RAF jets launched the missile from Cyprus as part of Operation Shader. This landmark mission showcased the missile’s compatibility and utility across different platforms and operations, reaffirming its versatile and valuable status among the available weaponry.
The Storm Shadow has not been exclusively employed by the UK and France; it also serves with the Italian Air Force and has been incorporated within the fleet of Soviet-era Su-24 Fencer ground attack aircraft in the Ukrainian Air Force. Symbolizing the international utility of the missile, this demonstrates the wide acceptance and deployment of this weapon within multiple NATO members and allied powers.
In relation to the British Ministry of Defence’s comment regarding the development of a next-generation cruise missile, it could potentially refer to the Future Cruise/Anti-Ship Weapon (FC/ASW) program. This initiative has been featured in a series of official concept illustrations, raising speculative views of possible major advancements in missile technology.
The UK government emphasized the larger goals associated with this decision, explaining it as part of the ‘Team UK’ initiative. By leveraging Defense Industrial Manufacturing, they hope to make it the foundation for job creation and overall economic resurgence. This move signifies the transition towards defense-oriented industrialization, aligning economic and defense imperatives in an integrated manner.
The Defence and Economic Growth Taskforce has laid out ambitious projections. Increasing defense budget allocation could potentially catalyze the creation of 150,000 new jobs and contribute 2.7% to the GDP by 2027. Such an increase in defense expenditure would not just bolster national security but also become a significant growth driver for the economy.
Unique recycling efforts from the defence sector have garnered significant attention. It’s been reported that remnants of decommissioned RAF Tornado GR4 aircraft have been crushed and converted into 3D printing material. This material will be utilized in the manufacturing of the sixth-generation Tempest fighter plane under the Global Combat Air Program.
The utilization of previously discarded parts from old aircraft exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to defense manufacturing. This initiative ensures production of components of quality equal or superior to imported equivalents, all the while bolstering the homegrown defense and aerospace sector. Through leveraging local resources, the UK is effectively setting a path towards higher control over its defense production.