UK, France partner on missile upgrade
A £146 million contract awarded to MBDA will see the UK’s Storm Shadow and France’s SCALP missiles updated to ensure they remain fit for purpose, the UK Ministry of Defence announced on 22 February.
Storm Shadow is a combat-proven, long-range, precision cruise missile in service with Royal Air Force Tornados.
The shared midlife refurbishment programme deal with MDBA will sustain the missile until its planned out of service date in 2032.
The French government will be updating its own similar SCALP missile; according to the MoD the collaboration will deliver £50 million in savings for both the UK and France.
The regeneration will consist of a midlife refurbishment of current missile parts including the turbo-jet engine, an upgrade of the navigational system, and a like for like replacement of items such as the cabling, seals and gaskets.
Tony Douglas, chief executive at the MoD’s Defence Equipment and Support Organisation, said: ‘The contract to regenerate Storm Shadow, a combat-proven, all-weather precision missile, provides a clear example of the MoD and UK industry working effectively together with our counterparts in France; providing our UK armed forces with the best equipment possible…’
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