12
Jun
SCALP Missile – A Joint UK-France Development
The SCALP missile (also known as Storm Shadow in the UK) is a long-range, air-launched cruise missile jointly developed by the United Kingdom and France, primarily by MBDA, a European missile systems company. Designed for precision strikes, the SCALP is used to destroy high-value, well-defended targets deep within enemy territory.
Key Features of SCALP Missile:
Stealth Design:
The missile has a low radar cross-section, allowing it to evade enemy radar systems and penetrate heavily defended areas.
Range:
SCALP has a range of over 250 km (approx. 155 miles), enabling it to strike deep into hostile zones while keeping the launch aircraft out of danger.
Warhead:
Equipped with a BROACH warhead (Bomb Royal Ordnance Augmented CHarge), it features a two-stage system: a penetrating charge to breach hardened targets (like bunkers), followed by a secondary charge for internal destruction.
Navigation System:
Uses a combination of GPS, inertial navigation, and terrain reference for precise guidance, even in GPS-denied environments.
Autonomy and Accuracy:
Once launched, it navigates autonomously and can be pre-programmed with multiple waypoints and attack profiles, ensuring high accuracy with minimal collateral damage.
Platform Compatibility:
SCALP is compatible with multiple aircraft such as the Rafale, Eurofighter Typhoon, and Tornado.
Strategic Importance:
SCALP/Storm Shadow has been used in various conflicts, including in Iraq, Syria, and Libya. Its combination of stealth, precision, and long range makes it a vital asset in modern warfare, especially for pre-emptive strikes on critical infrastructure or command centers.
