The French government’s recent decision to supply long-range cruise missiles to Ukraine as part of increased Western efforts to assist Ukraine in its ongoing counter-offensive against Russian forces has drawn an angry response from Russia. The French President, Emmanuel Macron, announced the delivery of SCALP missiles during the annual NATO summit. The SCALP missile, derived from the Apache project and developed in the late 1990s, is a series of air-launched, long-range, and conventionally armed missiles. It has a range of over 250 kilometers, making it the longest-range Western weapon in Ukraine’s possession. The SCALP missile is designed to strike high-value stationary targets behind enemy lines, such as airbases, radar installations, bunkers, port facilities, and communication centers. It is guided by an advanced triple navigation system and programmed with all relevant mission details before launch. The missile follows a pre-decided path at low altitudes to avoid detection and uses an onboard infrared seeker for accurate strikes. It can be programmed to detonate above the target, on impact, or after penetration. The deployment of SCALP missiles in Ukraine’s counter-offensive could disrupt Russian logistics and command and control in the eastern part, which is well behind the front lines. The move aims to give Ukraine the means to ensure the success of its counter-offensive and bring Russia to the negotiating table. However, Russia has criticized France’s decision, stating that it would undermine its security and make Europe more dangerous. France has not confirmed the number of missiles in the weapon package, but reports suggest that Ukraine will receive a significant number. Concerns have also arisen about the depletion of French stock, but French military sources assure there is enough stock for the country. The delivery of the first batch of SCALP missiles to Ukraine has already taken place. It comes at a time when the missile maker plans a mid-life modernization of SCALP and a program to replace SCALP/Storm Shadow missiles is underway with the involvement of France, the U.K., and Italy.
