France and UK to resume and upgrade Storm Shadow/SCALP production
Storm Shadow/SCALP missiles have been used in Ukraine. (Photo: Crown Copyright)
The new ‘Entente Industrielle’ will work on a range of other projects to boost the UK economy and defence industry, including joint development on new high-tech frequency weapons and extended range air-to-air missiles.
The UK and France have announced that they will order more Storm Shadow/SCALP cruise missiles and resume and upgrade existing MBDA production lines to build national stockpiles back up.
Termed as a new ‘Entente Industrielle’, the cooperation between the two countries will support “thousands” of UK jobs as the UK and France refreshes its defence relationship.
Around 1,300 jobs will be sustained across the UK and upgrading the production lines will support more than 300 jobs for Storm Shadow manufacturer MBDA at its Stevenage site, the UK government said.
The agreement will also see both countries commit to build the next-generation
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
![British Army’s Project Corvus selection highlights new era of drone sovereignty]()
British Army’s Project Corvus selection highlights new era of drone sovereignty
The UK’s choice of the Tekever AR5 for Project Corvus reflects a wider shift in military drone procurement towards solutions that centre on sovereignty and domestic production, moving away from overseas reliance.
-
![FIA 2026: KAI to offer T-50 jet trainer to UK Royal Air Force]()
FIA 2026: KAI to offer T-50 jet trainer to UK Royal Air Force
Another contender for the Royal Air Force's future Hawk trainer replacement programme has emerged, with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) putting forward its T-50 as a proven solution that could be manufactured in the UK.
-
![US Marine Corps aims to make drones as commonplace as rifles on the battlefield]()
US Marine Corps aims to make drones as commonplace as rifles on the battlefield
The USMC is transforming drones into standard equipment through major funding increases, standardised training, new doctrine and rapid battlefield adaptation, with nearly $820 million requested for UAS programmes in FY2027.
-
![FIA 2026: Malloy eyes NATO expansion and Australia for T-150 as it scales up technology]()
FIA 2026: Malloy eyes NATO expansion and Australia for T-150 as it scales up technology
BAE Systems’ Malloy Aeronautics is seeking to expand the international customer base for its T-150 heavy-lift UAV, with NATO users beginning to adopt the platform and Australia identified as a key prospective market.
-
![FIA 2026: Embraer, Anduril sign agreement to develop cruise missile launch capability for the C-390]()
FIA 2026: Embraer, Anduril sign agreement to develop cruise missile launch capability for the C-390
The Brazilian airframer and US developer have announced plans to offer a palletised launch system for the twinjet tactical airlifter.
