Storm Shadow SCALP-EG Overview

The Storm Shadow, designated SCALP-EG in France, is a Franco-British air-launched, low-observable cruise missile. It is a fire-and-forget system that is programmed on the ground prior to launch.

The missile has a mass of 1,300 kg, a length of 5.1 m, a body diameter of 0.48 m, and a width of 0.63 m. It is propelled by a Microturbo TRI 60-30 turbojet engine that produces 5.4 kN of thrust. The maximum speed is Mach 0.95, and the operational range is 550 km.

It carries a 450 kg multistage BROACH penetration warhead. Intended targets include command centers, airfields, ports, power stations, ammunition storage facilities, and bridges.

The missile navigates using a combination of GPS, an Inertial Navigation System (INS), and Terrain Contour Matching (TERCOM). The system flies at a low altitude to the target area. During the terminal phase, it climbs to improve its sensor’s field of view. Terminal guidance uses a high-resolution thermographic imaging infrared (IIR) seeker for autonomous target recognition, acquisition, and tracking based on stored digital scene matching area correlation (DSMAC) data. If a target cannot be acquired, the missile can be programmed to fly to a pre-designated crash point.

Black Shaheen

The Black Shaheen is an export variant of the SCALP-EG missile, developed for the United Arab Emirates. Its operational range is reduced to 290 km to comply with the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR).

The missile retains the physical dimensions and payload of the base model. It has a mass of 1,300 kg and a length of 5.1 m. It carries the 450 kg multistage BROACH penetration warhead. The guidance system is identical to that of the Storm Shadow / SCALP-EG.

MdCN

The Missile de Croisière Naval (MdCN) is a distinct French naval cruise missile. The source document states it is not a derivative of the Storm Shadow. The MdCN is launched from surface warships and submarines. It uses a solid-propellant booster to exit the launcher and gain initial velocity. The missile’s design is conventional and does not have stealth shaping. It has a longer operational range than the SCALP-EG. The document provides no specific quantitative data for the MdCN’s range, mass, or dimensions.

The Future Cruise/Anti-Ship Weapon (FC/ASW) is a program initiated by France, the United Kingdom, and Italy to develop a replacement for the Storm Shadow/SCALP missile system. The program is examining two complementary missile concepts. One concept is for a subsonic, low-observable missile. The other concept is for a supersonic, maneuverable missile. The program is scheduled to produce a land-attack missile by 2028 and an anti-ship missile by 2034.