French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu, during his visit to the UK, announced that production of SCALP cruise missiles will resume after a 15-year hiatus, a move that has drawn interest from Greece. 

Lecornu stated that Paris will proceed with a new order for SCALP missiles, prompting the reopening of the production line.

“Production of SCALP missiles to equip our forces will resume this year, 15 years after our last order. At the MBDA UK site in Stevenage with my counterpart John Healey, where part of these missiles are produced,” he wrote in a post on X.

He also highlighted the missile’s success in Ukraine and presented it as an example of successful European defense cooperation.

“Supplied to Ukraine, the Franco-British SCALP/Storm Shadow missile has proven its effectiveness in modern high-intensity warfare, in decisive situations. A symbol of a leading European defense industry, MBDA is a joint venture between France, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Germany,” Lecornu added.

The SCALP missiles have been part of the Hellenic Air Force’s arsenal since 2003. Athens has also recently expressed its intention to acquire the naval version, SCALP Naval, for deployment on its new FDI frigates.

Sources told Kathimerini that the reopening of production has drawn the attention of the Greek side, which sees a potential opportunity to place new orders and improve support for its existing stock.

In May 2023, Athens signed a contract with the MBDA for the support of the Greek stockpiles.

Source: Ekathimerini.com