Storm Shadow

{{Short description|Franco-British cruise missile}}

{{About|the cruise missile|the fictional character|Storm Shadow (G.I. Joe)|other uses|Stormshadow (disambiguation){{!}}Stormshadow}}

{{Use British English|date=May 2025}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2025}}

{{Infobox weapon

| name = Storm Shadow/SCALP EG

| image = RAF Museum, Colindale, London - DSC06025.JPG

| image_size = 300

| alt =

| caption = A missile displayed in the RAF Museum, London

| type = Air-launched cruise missile

| origin = France
United Kingdom

| is_missile = y

| is_UK = y

| service = 2003–present

| used_by = See operators

| wars = {{Tree list}}

{{Tree list/end}}

| designer = Matra BAe Dynamics

| design_date = 1994–2001

| manufacturer = MBDA

| unit_cost = {{Currency|2.0M|code=POUND STERLING}} (FY2023) ({{Currency|2.5M|code=USD}}){{cite web | last=Sabbagh | first=Dan | title=British-led coalition hopes to supply longer-range missiles to Ukraine | website=the Guardian | date=9 May 2023 | url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/09/british-led-coalition-hoping-to-supply-longer-range-missiles-to-ukraine | access-date=9 September 2023}}

| production_date =

| number =

| variants =

| mass = {{cvt|1300|kg|lb}}

| length = {{cvt|5.1|m|ftin}}

| width = {{cvt|630|mm|in}}

| height = {{cvt|480|mm|in}}

| filling = Multistage BROACH penetration warhead

| filling_weight = {{convert|450|kg|lbs}}

| detonation =

| yield =

| engine = Microturbo TRI 60-30 turbojet

| engine_power = {{cvt|5.4|kN}}

| pw_ratio =

| payload_capacity =

| fuel_capacity =

| vehicle_range = {{cvt|550|km|mi nmi|0}}{{cite web|website=CSIS Missile Threat|url=https://missilethreat.csis.org/missile/apache-ap/#:~:text=SCALP%20EG%2F%20Storm%20Shadow%20Specifications&text=The%20missiles%20are%205.1%20m,250-400%20km.13.|title=SCALP EG / Storm Shadow / SCALP Naval / Black Shaheen / APACHE AP}}

| speed = {{cvt|0.95|Mach|m/sec ft/sec}}

| guidance = GPS, INS, IIR & TERPROM

| steering = 6 tailplanes (4 vertical & 2 horizontal)

| wingspan = {{cvt|3|m|ftin}}

| propellant =

| ceiling =

| altitude =

| boost =

| depth =

| accuracy =

| launch_platform =

| transport = Mirage 2000, Rafale, Su-24, Tornado, Typhoon, Gripen

| ref = Janes{{Citation |author=Janes |url=https://customer.janes.com/display/JALW2901-JALW |title=Scalp/Storm Shadow |date=19 May 2023 |website=Janes Weapons: Air Launched |publisher=Jane's Group UK Limited. |publication-place=Coulsdon, Surrey |url-access=subscription |access-date=21 May 2023}} & The Telegraph{{cite news |last1=Sheridan |first1=Danielle |last2=Nicholls |first2=Dominic |last3=Holl-Allen |first3=Genevieve |date=11 May 2023 |title=Britain is first nation to send long-range missiles to Ukraine |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2023/05/11/britain-send-ukraine-long-range-missiles-storm-shadow/ |work=The Telegraph |location=London |url-access=subscription |access-date=21 May 2023}}{{cite news |last=Kilner |first=James |date=13 May 2023 |title='Nightmare' for Russia as Ukraine strikes base with British Storm Shadow missiles |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2023/05/13/storm-shadow-missiles-strike-far-behind-russian-lines/ |work=The Telegraph |location=London |url-access=subscription |access-date=21 May 2023}}

}}

The Storm Shadow is a Franco-British low-observable, long-range air-launched cruise missile developed since 1994 by Matra and British Aerospace, and now manufactured by MBDA.{{Cite web |date=11 May 2023 |title=The U.K. Has Given Ukraine the Storm Shadow: A Western Missile on a Soviet Warbird |url=https://www.popularmechanics.com/military/aviation/a43864887/uk-gives-ukraine-storm-shadow-long-range-missile/ |access-date=16 July 2023 |website=Popular Mechanics |language=en-US}} "Storm Shadow" is the weapon's British name; in France it is called SCALP-EG (which stands for "Système de Croisière Autonome à Longue Portée – Emploi Général"; English: "Long Range Autonomous Cruise Missile System – General Purpose"). The missile is based on the French-developed Apache anti-runway cruise missile, but differs in that it carries a unitary warhead instead of cluster munitions.{{cite web | title=Apache (Anti-Runway Cruise Missile)| website=Armed Forces Europe | url=http://www.armedforces.co.uk/Europeandefence/edequipment/edmis/edmis3a3.htm | access-date=12 May 2023}}

To meet the requirement issued by the French Ministry of Defence for a more potent cruise missile capable of being launched from surface vessels and submarines, and able to strike strategic and military targets from extended standoff ranges with even greater precision, MBDA France began development of the Missile de Croisière Naval ("Naval Cruise Missile") or MdCN in 2006 to complement the SCALP. The first firing test took place in July 2013 and was successful.{{Cite press release|url=https://www.mbda-systems.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Press-release-2013-07-05-FR.pdf|title=Nouveau succès pour le missile de croisière naval|date=4 July 2013|publisher=Direction générale de l'armement (DGA) (France)}} The MdCN has been operational on French FREMM frigates since 2017 and also equips France's Barracuda nuclear attack submarines, which entered operational service in 2022. However, MdCN is not a derivative of the Storm Shadow, but a distinct missile.

In 2017, a joint contract to upgrade the respective Storm Shadow/SCALP stockpiles in French and British service was signed. It is expected to sustain the missile until its planned withdrawal from service in 2032.{{cite web | title=MOD signs £146 million contract to upgrade RAF's long-range missile | website=UK Government – Defence and armed forces| date=22 February 2017 | url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/mod-signs-146-million-contract-to-upgrade-rafs-long-range-missile}}{{cite web | title=MBDA se voit confier la rénovation à mi-vie du SCALP | website=Air & Cosmos| date=24 February 2017 | url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/mod-signs-146-million-contract-to-upgrade-rafs-long-range-missile}}

Since 2023, during the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Storm Shadow missiles have been supplied to Ukraine in large quantities. Multiple Russian ships have been either sunk or heavily damaged by them. {{cn|date=September 2024}}

France, the UK and Italy are together developing the Future Cruise/Anti-Ship Weapon (FC/ASW) to replace SCALP/Storm Shadow and each nation's respective anti-ship missiles by 2028 and 2034.

Characteristics

File:Microturbo TR60-30 - Musée Safran (cropped).jpg expendable turbojet engine used by the Storm Shadow, Musée aéronautique et spatial Safran]]

The missile weighs about {{convert |1300|kg|lb}}, with a conventional warhead of {{convert|450|kg|lb}}. It has a maximum body diameter of {{convert |48|cm|in}} and a wingspan of {{convert |3|m|in|spell=in}}. It is propelled at Mach 0.8 by a Microturbo TRI 60-30 turbojet engine and has a range of approximately {{convert|250|km|nmi mi|abbr=on}}.{{cite web |date=2019 |title=2019 STORM SHADOW datasheet |url=https://www.mbda-systems.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/2019-STORM-SHADOW-datasheet.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628190340/https://www.mbda-systems.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/2019-STORM-SHADOW-datasheet.pdf |archive-date=28 June 2024 |access-date=20 November 2024 |publisher=MBDA}}

The weapon can be launched from a number of different aircraft—the Saab Gripen, Dassault Mirage 2000, Dassault Rafale, the Panavia Tornado, both the Italian Tornado IDS and formerly the British Tornado GR4 (now retired),{{cite web |url= http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/missile/row/casom.htm |title= Storm Shadow |publisher= Federation of American Scientists |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20040603010411/http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/missile/row/casom.htm |archive-date= 3 June 2004 }} and a modified Sukhoi Su-24.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/su-24-fencer-is-ukraines-storm-shadow-missile-carrier|title=Su-24 Fencer Is Ukraine's Storm Shadow Missile Carrier|first=Thomas|last=Newdick|date=24 May 2023|website=The Drive}} Storm Shadow was integrated with the Eurofighter Typhoon as part of the Phase 2 Enhancement (P2E) in 2015,{{cite web |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/eurofighter-flies-with-storm-shadow-missiles-393618/ |title= Eurofighter flies with Storm Shadow missiles |last =Hoyle |first =Craig |date=28 November 2013 |website= Flight Global |publisher= Reed Business Information |access-date=28 November 2013}}{{citation | title= Eurofighter Typhoon Gains Altitude | url= http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_generic.jsp?channel=dti&id=news/DTI-TYPHOON.xml | archive-url= https://archive.today/20120720031000/http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_generic.jsp?channel=dti&id=news/DTI-TYPHOON.xml | url-status= dead | archive-date= 20 July 2012 | date= 14 January 2009 | first= Bill | last= Sweetman | publisher= Aviation Week | access-date= 20 March 2011 }} but will not be fitted to the F-35 Lightning II.{{cite web | publisher = Jane's | url = http://www.janes.com/article/57304/storm-shadow-dropped-from-uk-s-f-35b-follow-on-integration-plan | title = Storm Shadow dropped from UK's F-35B follow-on integration plan | access-date = 20 January 2016 | archive-date = 22 January 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160122235748/http://www.janes.com/article/57304/storm-shadow-dropped-from-uk-s-f-35b-follow-on-integration-plan | url-status = dead }}

The Storm Shadow's BROACH warhead features an initial penetrating charge to clear soil or enter a bunker, then a variable delay fuze to control detonation of the main warhead. Intended targets are command, control and communications centres; airfields; ports and power stations; ammunition management and storage facilities; surface ships and submarines in port; bridges and other high value strategic targets.

The missile is fire and forget, programmed before launch. Once launched, it cannot be controlled or commanded to self-destroy and its target information cannot be changed. Mission planners programme the weapon with details of the target and its air defences. The missile follows a path semi-autonomously, on a low flight path guided by GPS and terrain mapping to the target area.{{Cite journal |last= Handy |first= Brian |date= August 2003|title= Royal Air Force Aircraft & Weapons |url= http://www.raf.mod.uk/rafcms/mediafiles/0186cc2a_1143_ec82_2ef2bffff37857da.pdf |journal=DCC (RAF) Publications |access-date= 18 March 2016}} Close to the target, the missile climbs to increase its field of view and improve penetration, matches the target stored image with its IR camera and then dives into the target.{{Cite news | last =Eklund | first = Dylan | title= Fire and Brimstone: The RAF's 21st Century Missiles | work= RAF Magazine | pages= 19–25 | year= 2006}}{{Cite news |date=12 May 2023 |title=Technical Overview of the Storm Shadow Cruise Missile for Ukraine |url=https://www.designnews.com/industry/technical-overview-storm-shadow-cruise-missile-ukraine |access-date=16 July 2023 |website=designnews.com |language=en}}

Climbing to altitude is intended to achieve the best probability of target identification and penetration. During the final maneuver, the nose cone is jettisoned to allow a high resolution thermographic camera (infrared homing) to observe the target area. The missile then tries to locate its target based upon its targeting information (DSMAC). If it cannot, and there is a high risk of collateral damage, the missile is capable of flying to a crash point instead of risking inaccuracy.

Enhancements reported in 2005 included the capability to relay target information just before impact and usage of one-way (link back) data link to relay battle damage assessment information back to the host aircraft, under development under a French DGA contract. At the time, inflight re-targeting capability using a two-way data link was planned.{{cite web|url= http://defense-update.com/products/s/storm-shadow.htm|title= Storm Shadow/SCALP EG Cruise Missile|work= Defense update|date= 27 January 2005|archive-date= 27 April 2018|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180427210917/http://defense-update.com/products/s/storm-shadow.htm|url-status= dead}} In 2016, it was announced that Storm Shadow would be refurbished under the Selective Precision Effects At Range 4 (SPEAR 4) missile project,{{cite web|url= http://www.contracts.mod.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/SellingtoMOD_Ed22.pdf|title= Defence Suppliers Service|work= UK Ministry of Defence|access-date= 19 May 2016|archive-date= 13 October 2016|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20161013015234/https://www.contracts.mod.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/SellingtoMOD_Ed22.pdf|url-status= dead}}{{cite news |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/mod-signs-146-million-contract-to-upgrade-rafs-long-range-missile |title=MOD signs £146 million contract to upgrade RAF's long-range missile |publisher=Ministry of Defence |via=gov.uk |date=22 February 2017 |access-date=21 November 2024}} with the upgrade being completed in 2022.{{cite news |url=https://www.janes.com/osint-insights/defence-news/weapons/update-mid-life-refurbishment-of-uk-storm-shadow-stockpile-nears-completion |title=Update: Mid-Life Refurbishment of UK Storm Shadow stockpile nears completion |last=Hughes |first=Robin |publisher=IHS |work=Janes |date=28 February 2022 |access-date=21 November 2024}}

Some reports suggest a reduced capability version complying with Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) restrictions was created for export, for example to the United Arab Emirates.{{cite news |url=http://articles.janes.com/articles/Janes-Defence-Weekly-98/USA-ANGRY-OVER-FRENCH-DECISION-TO-EXPORT-APACHE.html |title=USA angry over French decision to export Apache, Headlines |publisher=IHS |work=Jane's Defence Weekly |date=8 April 1998 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605020920/http://articles.janes.com/articles/Janes-Defence-Weekly-98/USA-ANGRY-OVER-FRENCH-DECISION-TO-EXPORT-APACHE.html |archive-date=5 June 2011}}{{cite web |url=https://missilethreat.csis.org/missile/apache-ap/ |title=APACHE AP/ SCALP EG/ Storm Shadow/ SCALP Naval/ Black Shaheen |publisher=Center for Strategic and International Studies |work=Missile Threat |orig-date=Modified 28 July 2021|date=2 December 2016}}{{cite web |url=https://armscontrolcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Missile-Technology-Control-Regime-MTCR-Factsheet.pdf |title=Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) |publisher=The Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation |year=2017 |access-date=15 April 2018}}

The missile relies on classified US-owned cartographic data, using Terrain Contour Matching or TERCOM, to guide the missile to the target. This gives the US government veto of any sales to foreign countries under ITAR.{{cite web|title= UK, France maintain fog of war on Storm Shadow missile use for strikes in Russia |url= https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/uk-france-maintain-fog-of-war-on-storm-shadow-missile-use-for-strikes-in-russia/amp |date=19 November 2024 |access-date=19 November 2024|language=en|author=Clément Charpentreau |work=aerotime}} In 2018 the French government tried to bypass this by creating a "ITAR-free" version of the missile for sale to Egypt that didn't use TERCOM. The missiles would have relied solely on GPS and inertial navigation systems to get to the target, making the missile more vulnerable to electronic warfare.{{cite web|title=A jet sale to Egypt is being blocked by a US regulation, and France is over it |url=https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2018/08/01/a-jet-sale-to-egypt-is-being-blocked-by-a-us-regulation-and-france-is-over-it/ |date=19 November 2024 |access-date=19 November 2024|language=en |author=Pierre Tran |work=defensenews}}{{cite web | url=https://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/exportations-comment-mbda-desserre-le-noeud-coulant-des-etats-unis-itar-812016.html | title=Exportations : Comment MBDA desserre le nœud coulant des Etats-Unis (ITAR) | trans-title=Exports: How MBDA loosens the noose of the United States (ITAR) | date=27 March 2019 }} An issue in Ukraine, where Russian jams GPS signals, is that US approval and data is necessary for the missiles to operate to peak performance.{{cite AV media |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m00254cl |title=Former defence secretary Ben Wallace gives his view over the decision |people=Wallace, Ben |publisher=BBC Radio 4 |series=World at One |medium=Radio broadcast |time=18m34-18m53s |date=18 November 2024 |access-date=21 November 2024 |quote=Ben Wallace: We could use Storm Shadows just using GPS, right, just using satellite, but the resilience technologies we have in it relies on other technologies that puts us in areas that we have to rely on the United States in certain environments, and that's just the reality of it.}}

History

File:StormShadow-Hendon 1.jpg]]

Matra and British Aerospace were selected as the prime contractors for the Conventionally Armed Standoff Missile (CASOM) in July 1996; their Storm Shadow missile beat submissions from McDonnell Douglas, Texas Instruments/Short Brothers, Hughes/Smiths Industries, Daimler-Benz Aerospace/Bofors, GEC-Marconi and Rafael.{{cite news |last=Morrocco |first=John D. |date=29 July 1996 |title=BAe, GEC Snare Key U.K. Contracts |work=Aviation Week and Space Technology |publisher=McGraw-Hill, Inc. |page=64}}{{cite news | first = Michael | last = Evans | title = £4bn orders will equip RAF for the 21st century | work = The Times | publisher = Times Newspapers Ltd. | date = 26 June 1996 }} The Storm Shadow design was based on Matra's Apache anti-runway cruise missile. A development and production contract was signed in February 1997, by which time Matra and BAe had completed the merger of their missile businesses to form Matra BAe Dynamics.{{cite news | title = £700 Million RAF Contract Signed | publisher = The Press Association Limited | date = 11 February 1997 }} France ordered 500 SCALP missiles in January 1998.{{cite news |date=14 January 1998 |title=France Takes Scalp |work=Flight International |publisher=Reed Business Publishing}}

The first successful fully guided firing of the Storm Shadow/SCALP EG took place at the CEL Biscarosse range in France at the end of December 2000 from a Mirage 2000N.

The first flight of Storm Shadow missiles on the Eurofighter Typhoon took place on 27 November 2013 at Decimomannu Air Base in Italy, and was performed by Alenia Aermacchi using instrumented production aircraft 2.{{cite web |title=Eurofighter flies with Storm Shadow missiles |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/eurofighter-flies-with-storm-shadow-missiles-393618/ |access-date=28 November 2013 |website=Flightglobal.com}}

The SCALP EG and Storm Shadow are identical except for how they integrate with the aircraft.{{cite web |title=APACHE AP/ SCALP EG/ Storm Shadow/ SCALP Naval/ Black Shaheen |date=28 July 2021 |orig-date=2 December 2016|work=Missile Threat |publisher= Center for Strategic and International Studies |access-date=2 November 2022 |url=https://missilethreat.csis.org/missile/apache-ap/#:~:text=SCALP%20EG%2F%20Storm%20Shadow%20Specifications&text=The%20missiles%20are%205.1%20m,250%2D400%20km.13.}}

In July 2016, the UK's MoD awarded a £28 million contract to support the Storm Shadow over the next five years.{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-contract-to-support-the-rafs-long-range-missiles |title=New contract to support the RAF's long range missiles|publisher=UK Ministry of Defence |access-date=8 July 2016}}

=Combat use=

File:Tornado Storm Shadow.jpg carrying two Storm Shadow missiles under its fuselage takes off at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus on an Operation Shader mission, January 2019]]

RAF Tornados used Storm Shadow missiles operationally for the first time during the 2003 invasion of Iraq.{{cite news |author= |date=8 March 2019 |title=ANALYSIS: How RAF's Tornados made storming contribution |work=Flight International |quote=By then upgraded to the GR4 standard, the UK's ground-attack aircraft played a part in the opening salvoes of the second conflict with Saddam Hussein's forces in Iraq. This was a spectacular debut for its Storm Shadow weapons, which allowed pinpoint strikes to be conducted against key infrastructure targets from a launch distance of more than 135nm (250km).}} Although they were yet to officially enter service, "an accelerated testing schedule" saw them employed by the RAF's 617 Squadron in the conflict.{{cite web |url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisation/squadrons/617-squadron/ |title=617 Squadron |website=Raf.mod.uk |publisher=Royal Air Force |access-date=18 July 2020 |quote=2003 – Flew the RAF's first operational mission using Storm Shadow.}}{{cite news |last1=Almond|first1=Peter |last2=Carr-Brown|first2=Jonathon |date=30 March 2003|title=Dambusters test-fire new missile |work=Sunday Times |location=London |quote=[Wing Commander Robertson] set about completing his mission – firing Britain's first air-launched cruise missile, the Storm Shadow.}}{{cite news |last1=Hoyle |first1=Craig |date=6 July 2004 |title= Flying colours; Last year's Iraq conflict was a solid test for the UK RAF after a decade that has brought it closer to industry. Its highest ranking officer discusses its performance|work=Flight International }}

During the 2011 military intervention in Libya, the Storm Shadow/SCALP-EG was fired at pro-Gaddafi targets by French Air Force Rafales{{cite web |date=25 March 2011 |title=Rafale destroys Libyan jet, as France steps up action |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/rafale-destroys-libyan-jet-as-france-steps-up-action-354776 |access-date=15 September 2012 |website=Flightglobal.com}}{{cite web |url=http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/blogs/defense/index.jsp?plckController=Blog&plckBlogPage=BlogViewPost&newspaperUserId=27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7&plckPostId=Blog%3A27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7Post%3A11aa5346-3d2b-4c52-9f09-4cf4e8bfa430&plckScript=blogScript&plckElementId=blogDest |title=Libya: France May Shift Rafales from Rafaletown to Sigonella |website=Aviationweek.com |access-date=15 September 2012 |archive-date=17 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120417224731/http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/blogs/defense/index.jsp?plckController=Blog&plckBlogPage=BlogViewPost&newspaperUserId=27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7&plckPostId=Blog%3a27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7Post%3a11aa5346-3d2b-4c52-9f09-4cf4e8bfa430&plckScript=blogScript&plckElementId=blogDest |url-status=dead }} and Italian Air Force and Royal Air Force{{cite web | url=http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/UpdatedBritishArmedForcesLaunchStrikeAgainstLibyanAirDefenceSystems.htm | title=British Armed Forces launch strike against Libyan air defence systems | publisher=Ministry of Defence | date=20 March 2011 | access-date=20 March 2011}}{{cite web |url=http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/blogs/defense/index.jsp?plckController=Blog&plckBlogPage=BlogViewPost&newspaperUserId=27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7&plckPostId=Blog%3A27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7Post%3Ac9874eff-f7a9-4a14-8098-746a7449cfaf&plckScript=blogScript&plckElementId=blogDest |title=U.K. Libya Strikes Include Storm Shadows |publisher=Aviation week |date=20 March 2011 |access-date=22 March 2011 }}{{Dead link|date=February 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Tornados. Targets included the Al Jufra Air Base,{{cite web |url=http://www.marianne2.fr/blogsecretdefense/Libye-premier-tir-operationnel-d-un-missile-de-croisiere-Scalp-par-la-France_a189.html |title=Libye : premier tir opérationnel d'un missile de croisière Scalp par la France |website=Marianne2.fr |access-date=15 September 2012 |archive-date=8 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120308170255/http://www.marianne2.fr/blogsecretdefense/Libye-premier-tir-operationnel-d-un-missile-de-croisiere-Scalp-par-la-France_a189.html |url-status=dead }} and a military bunker in Sirte, the home town of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-14677754|title=UK jets bomb Gaddafi hometown bunker|work=BBC News | date=26 August 2011}} In December 2011, Italian defence officials noted that Italian Tornado IDS aircraft had fired between 20 and 30 Storm Shadows during the Libyan Campaign. This was the first time that Italian aircraft had fired the missile in live combat, and it was reported the missile had a 97 per cent success rate.{{cite web|title=Italy Gives Bombing Stats for Libya Campaign|url=http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=8567271&c=AIR&s=EUR|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120727234740/http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=8567271&c=AIR&s=EUR|url-status=dead|archive-date=27 July 2012|access-date=15 December 2011}}

French aircraft fired 12 SCALP missiles at ISIS targets in Syria as part of Operation Chammal. These launches took place on 15 December 2015 and 2 January 2016. It is thought that these firings may have been approved after a decision by the French MoD to reduce their inventory of SCALP missiles to reduce costs.{{cite web |last=Tran |first=Pierre |date=7 January 2016 |title=Engine Support Surges With Rafale Flight Hours, Exports |url=http://www.defensenews.com/story/defense/air-space/support/2016/01/07/engine-support-surges-rafale-flight-hours-exports/78441944/ |access-date=31 January 2016 |work=Defense News}} On Sunday 26 June 2016 the RAF used four Storm Shadow missiles against an ISIS bunker in Iraq. The Storm Shadow missiles were launched from two Tornado aircraft. All four missiles scored direct hits, penetrating deep into the bunker. Storm Shadow missiles were used due to the bunker's massive construction.

In October 2016 the UK Government confirmed UK-supplied missiles were used by Saudi Arabia in the conflict in Yemen.[http://www.defensenews.com/articles/uk-supplied-precision-weapons-prove-popular-in-saudi-led-yemen-campaign UK-Supplied Precision Weapons Prove Popular in Saudi-Led Yemen Campaign], Defensenews.com, 17 October 2016

In April 2018 the UK Government announced they used Storm Shadow missiles deployed by Panavia Tornado GR4s to strike a chemical weapon facility in Syria.{{cite news| title=RAF jets strike chemical weapon facility in Syria | website=UK Government|publisher=Ministry of Defence and Gavin Williamson | date=14 April 2018 | url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/raf-jets-strike-chemical-weapon-facility-in-syria}} According to US Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Kenneth McKenzie, the Him Shinshar chemical weapons storage facility near Homs was hit by 9 US Tomahawks, 8 British Storm Shadows, 3 French MdCN cruise missiles, and 2 French SCALP cruise missiles.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-43767156|title=Trump hails 'perfect' Syria strikes|date=14 April 2018|website=Bbc.co.uk}}{{cite web|url=https://www.militarytimes.com/pentagon/2018/04/14/us-launched-105-weapons-against-syria-with-none-intercepted-dod-says/|title=Coalition launched 105 weapons against Syria, with none intercepted, DoD says|website=Militarytimes.com|date=14 April 2018}} Satellite images showed that the site was destroyed in the attack.{{Cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2018/04/14/602550478/images-show-3-syrian-chemical-weapons-sites-before-and-after-missile-strikes|title=PHOTOS: 2 Syrian Chemical Weapons Sites Before And After Missile Strikes|first=Jenny|last=Gathright|date=14 April 2018|access-date=2 January 2022|website=Npr.org}} The Pentagon said that no missiles had been intercepted, and that the raids were "precise and overwhelming".{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/apr/14/allies-dispute-russian-and-syrian-claims-of-shot-down-missiles |title=Allies dispute Russian and Syrian claims of shot down missiles |newspaper=The Guardian |date=14 April 2018 |author= Ewen MacAskill, and Julian Borger|access-date= 14 April 2018}} In response, the Russian Ministry of Defence, during a press conference in Moscow, presented parts of what they claimed was a downed Storm Shadow missile.{{Cite web|url=https://www.interfax.ru/russia/610081|title=Российские военные показали обломки выпущенных по Сирии крылатых ракет|language=ru |trans-title=The Russian military showed the wreckage of cruise missiles fired at Syria|website=Interfax.ru|date=25 April 2018 |access-date=2 January 2022}}

It has been suggested that Storm Shadows, deployed by either Emirati Mirage 2000s or Egyptian Rafales, could have been used in the July 2020 airstrike against Al-Watiya Air Base during the Second Libyan Civil War.{{cite web | url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/pauliddon/2020/08/26/uae-sends-fighter-jets-to-support-allies-against-turkey/?sh=1d43733827e1 | title=UAE Dispatches Fighter Jets to Support Its Allies Against Turkey | website=Forbes }} The attack against the base, which housed Turkish military personnel supporting the internationally recognised Government of National Accord, injured several Turkish soldiers, destroyed their MIM-23 Hawk anti-aircraft missiles systems and their KORAL electronic warfare system.{{cite web|url=https://www.syriahr.com/en/173908/|title=Turkish Forces Lick Wounds After Airstrikes Hit Their Base In Libya|date=8 July 2021|work=Syrian Observatory for Human Rights}}{{cite web|url=https://www.egypttoday.com/Article/1/89264/LNA-destroys-Turkish-air-defense-electronic-warfare-systems-western-Libya|title=LNA destroys Turkish air defense, electronic warfare systems western Libya|work=Egypt Today|date=5 July 2020}}{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/africa/airstrikes-hit-libya-base-held-by-turkey-backed-forces/2020/07/05/edb71878-bef6-11ea-8908-68a2b9eae9e0_story.html |title=Airstrikes hit Libya base held by Turkey-backed forces |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=5 July 2020 }}{{cite web |url=https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/turkey-libya-watiya-attack-vows-retribution |title=Libya: Turkey vows 'retribution' for attack on its positions at al-Watiya airbase |website=Middle East Eye |date=6 July 2020 }}

On 11 March 2021, two Royal Air Force Typhoon FGR4 jets operating out of RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus hit a cave complex south west of the city of Erbil in northern Iraq, where a significant number of ISIS fighters were reported, marking the first combat use of the Storm Shadow from the Typhoon.{{Cite web|url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/typhoon-fires-storm-shadow-operationally-for-first-time|title=Typhoon fires Storm Shadow operationally for first time|website=Janes.com|access-date=2 January 2022}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/39792/british-typhoons-have-used-storm-shadow-cruise-missiles-for-the-first-time-in-combat|title=British Typhoons Have Used Storm Shadow Cruise Missiles For The First Time In Combat|first=Thomas|last=Newdick|website=Thedrive.com|date=15 March 2021 |access-date=2 January 2022}}

= Use by Ukraine =

On 11 May 2023, the United Kingdom announced that it was supplying Storm Shadows to the Ukrainian military during the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This followed a pledge from the UK in February 2023 to send Ukraine long-range missiles in response to Russian strikes against Ukrainian infrastructure. Ukraine has insisted it would not use such weapons on Russian territory. UK Defence Minister Ben Wallace emphasised the delivery as a "calibrated, proportionate response to Russia's escalation", noting Russian use of even longer-range munitions including the Kh-47M2 hypersonic missile, 3M-54 Kalibr cruise missile, and Shahed-136 one-way attack drone.{{cite news |last=Gregory |first=James |date=11 May 2023 |title=UK confirms supply of Storm Shadow long-range missiles in Ukraine |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-65558070 |website=BBC News}}[https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2023/05/11/ukraine-gets-british-long-range-missiles-ahead-of-counteroffensive/ Ukraine gets British long-range missiles ahead of counteroffensive]. Defense News. 11 May 2023.

The grant of Storm Shadow missiles is a significant boost to the Ukrainian military, as they are capable of striking targets at much longer ranges than had previously been possible, including command-and-control nodes and logistics points in occupied Crimea to interrupt Russia's ability to support the frontline.[https://breakingdefense.com/2023/05/armed-with-storm-shadow-ukraine-could-starve-russian-front-lines-of-logistics-leadership/ Armed with Storm Shadow, Ukraine could 'starve' Russian front lines of logistics, leadership]. Breaking Defense. 16 May 2023. Shortly after, France announced it would be delivering the SCALP EG, its version of the missile, to Ukraine as well. France said it was not delivering weapons capable of hitting Russian soil.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/ukraine-situation-report-france-sending-scalp-eg-cruise-missiles|title=Ukraine Situation Report: France Sending SCALP-EG Cruise Missiles|first=Howard|last=Altman|date=16 May 2023|website=The Drive}} The UK on 18 May confirmed Ukraine had already successfully used the Storm Shadow.[https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/18/politics/ben-wallace-cnn-interview/index.html Ukraine has 'successfully' used UK-provided Storm Shadow missiles against Russia, British Defense Secretary tells CNN]. CNN. 18 May 2023. Although no information was publicly disclosed regarding when exactly the French missiles were delivered to Ukraine, Ukraine's ambassador to France, Vadym Omelchenko, confirmed in an interview with LB.ua on 22 August 2023 that all SCALP missiles promised by French president Emmanuel Macron had been delivered already, likely by the time of the latter's announcement in May. Omelchenko further stated that the first batch of missiles (reported by some outlets to number 50 units) had more than proven its worth and that supplies of SCALP batches by France would continue.[https://mil.in.ua/en/news/ambassador-france-has-handed-over-all-promised-in-the-first-batch-scalp-missiles-to-ukraine/ Ambassador: France has handed over all promised in the first batch SCALP missiles to Ukraine]. MILITARNYI. 22 August 2023.[https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2023/08/22/7416650// Ukrainian ambassador in France announces further batches of long-range SCALP missiles]. Ukrainska Pravda. 22 August 2023. Previously, on 6 August, a few days after the attack on the Chongar Strait railway bridge, the SCALP's operational status in Ukraine had visually been confirmed as were its use in the attack and its successful integration to Ukrainian Su-24 bombers.[https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/french-scalp-eg-cruise-missiles-officially-in-use-in-ukraine French SCALP-EG Cruise Missiles Officially In Use In Ukraine]. The Drive. 6 August 2023.

File:Su-24M Storm Shadow.jpg

Russia claimed Ukraine used Storm Shadow missiles to strike industrial sites in Luhansk on 13 May 2023, just two days after their delivery had been announced.[https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-says-ukraine-used-storm-shadow-missiles-britain-attack-luhansk-2023-05-13/ Russia says Ukraine used Storm Shadow missiles from Britain to attack Luhansk]. Reuters. 13 May 2023. According to a report by Russian news outlet Izvestia, the cruise missiles are launched from specially modified Su-24 strike aircraft and fly under the cover of MiG-29 and Su-27 fighters equipped with AGM-88 HARMs. Ukrainian command also uses UAVs and ADM-160 MALD decoys to divert Russian air defenses and protect the aircraft and ordnance from being intercepted.[https://eurasiantimes.com/ukraines-specially-modified-warplane-under-cover-of-mig-29/ Ukraine's 'Specially Modified' Warplane Under Cover Of MiG-29 & Su-27 Pounds Russia With Storm Shadow Missiles; UK Confirms Its Use]. The EurAsian Times. 19 May 2023. Ukraine's Minister of Defense Oleksii Reznikov confirmed the Su-24 as the Ukrainian Air Force's Storm Shadow launch platform, tweeting a photo of a Su-24MR with a missile on each of its inboard underwing pylons.[https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/su-24-fencer-is-ukraines-storm-shadow-missile-carrier Su-24 Fencer Is Ukraine's Storm Shadow Missile Carrier]. The Drive. 24 May 2023.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=25 May 2023|title=Ukraine conflict: Ukraine employing Su-24 to carry Storm Shadow, defence minister reveals|url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/ukraine-conflict-ukraine-employing-su-24-to-carry-storm-shadow-defence-minister-reveals|access-date=|website=Janes Information Services|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230526071957/https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/ukraine-conflict-ukraine-employing-su-24-to-carry-storm-shadow-defence-minister-reveals|archive-date=26 May 2023|url-status=live}} The pylons use an adaptor derived from retired RAF Tornado GR4 aircraft.{{cite news |title=Retired Tornado parts used to launch Ukrainian Storm Shadows |url=https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/retired-tornado-parts-used-to-launch-ukrainian-storm-shadows/ |access-date=29 September 2023 |work=UK Defence Journal |date=2 July 2023}}

Reznikov said at the end of May that the missiles had hit 100% of their targets,{{Cite web|url= https://news.yahoo.com/storm-shadow-missiles-show-100-180300950.html |title= Storm Shadow missiles show 100% efficiency in Ukraine – Ukraine's Defence Minister |date=29 May 2023|website= Yahoo! News}}[https://www.forces.net/ukraine/storm-shadow-missiles-have-hit-100-intended-russian-targets-ukraines-mod-says Ukraine says Storm Shadow missiles have hit '100%' of intended Russian targets]. Forces.net. 30 May 2023. although Russia's Defence Ministry has claimed to have shot some down.{{Cite news |date=27 May 2023 |title=Russian forces intercept two British Storm Shadow missiles, defence ministry says |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russian-forces-intercept-two-british-storm-shadow-missiles-defence-ministry-2023-05-27/ |access-date=29 May 2023}}[https://www.businessinsider.com/ukraine-storm-shadow-missiles-hit-100-targets-defense-ministry-2023-5 Ukraine's defense ministry says its Storm Shadow long-range missiles have hit 100% of their targets]. Business Insider. 28 May 2023.

On 12 June, a strike which involved the Storm Shadow killed Major General Sergey Goryachev in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. At the time he was Chief of Staff of the 35th Combined Arms Army.{{cite news |author= Allison Quinn|url= https://finance.yahoo.com/news/russians-mourn-best-general-ukraine-115904638.html |title= Russians Mourn 'Best' General as Ukraine Counteroffensive Gains Ground |date=13 June 2023 |work= Yahoo! News}} On 22 June, the Chonhar road bridge connecting Crimea with Kherson Oblast was struck by a Storm Shadow missile to interrupt Russian logistics.{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/06/22/ukraine-zelensky-zaporizhzhia-nuclear-plant/|newspaper=Washington Post|title=Zelensky says Russia is planning to sabotage Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant}}[https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/ukraine-strikes-key-bridge-to-crimea-hints-at-more-long-range-attacks Ukraine Strikes Key Bridge To Crimea, Hints At More Long-Range Attacks]. The Drive/The War Zone. 22 June 2023. A largely intact Storm Shadow crashed in Zaporizhzhia in early July. TASS claimed Russian forces had shot it down and recovered the wreckage to study the missile's design and help develop countermeasures to it.[https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/crashed-storm-shadow-missile-falls-into-russian-hands Crashed Storm Shadow Missile Falls Into Russian Hands]. The Drive/The War Zone. 5 July 2023.[https://www.businessinsider.com/russia-says-intact-storm-shadow-missile-studying-parts-ukraine-2023-7 Russia says it's snagged the intact parts of a Storm Shadow missile, and can now study the British-made munition that's been devastating its operations in Ukraine from long range]. Business Insider. 7 July 2023.

On 9 July 2023, Storm Shadow/SCALP missile was shot down by Russian air defence and captured later.{{Cite web |date=9 July 2023 |title=Russian troops seize near intact UK Storm Shadow missile |url=https://moderndiplomacy.eu/2023/07/09/russian-troops-seize-near-intact-uk-storm-shadow-missile/ |access-date=29 March 2024 |website=Modern Diplomacy |language=en-US}}

On 29 July 2023, a Storm Shadow or SCALP missile hit the Chongar Strait railway bridge linking occupied Crimea with the Kherson Oblast, landing between the two tracks on the bridge approach.[https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/french-scalp-eg-cruise-missiles-officially-in-use-in-ukraine French SCALP-EG Cruise Missiles Officially In Use In Ukraine]. The Drive. 6 August 2023.{{cite web |title=Ukraine Situation Report: Key Crimean Railway Bridge Targeted In Missile Strike |url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/ukraine-situation-report-key-crimean-railway-bridge-targeted-in-missile-strike |date=31 July 2023}}

On 13 September 2023, Storm Shadow and/or SCALP missiles were used in a strike against the Sevastopol port,[https://news.sky.com/story/ukraine-says-bomber-deployed-british-and-french-cruise-missiles-perfectly-in-major-attack-on-russian-navy-12962116 Ukraine says bomber deployed British and French cruise missiles 'perfectly' in major attack on Russian navy]. Sky News. 15 September 2023.[https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/russian-submarine-shows-massive-damage-after-ukrainian-strike Russian Submarine Shows Massive Damage After Ukrainian Strike]. The Drive. 18 September 2023.{{Cite web |title=British cruise missiles were used in significant Ukrainian attack on Russian submarine |url=https://news.sky.com/story/ukraine-strikes-russian-submarine-and-landing-ship-in-audacious-assault-on-crimea-naval-base-12960336 |access-date=13 September 2023 |website=Sky News |language=en}} seriously damaging the Rostov na Donu submarine and seriously damaging (according to some sources, beyond repair{{Cite web |date=24 February 2022 |title=Attack On Europe: Documenting Russian Equipment Losses During The Russian Invasion Of Ukraine |url=https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2022/02/attack-on-europe-documenting-equipment.html |access-date=13 September 2023 |website=Oryx}}) the Ropucha-class landing ship Minsk.{{Cite web |title=Two Russian Navy Black sea ships hit by missiles, one destroyed VIDEO |url=https://www.fleetmon.com/maritime-news/2023/42945/two-russian-navy-black-sea-ships-hit-missiles-one-/ |date=13 September 2023}}{{Cite news |date=13 September 2023 |title=Ukraine launches missile attack on Crimea |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-66793900 |access-date=13 September 2023}}{{Cite web |last=Edwards |first=Tim|date=13 September 2023 |title=Ukrainian missiles strike Russian warships in Crimean naval base |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/13/europe/crimea-missile-attack-ukraine-russia-intl/index.html |access-date=13 September 2023 |website=CNN |language=en}}

On 22 September 2023, at least three Storm Shadow and/or SCALP missiles hit the Black Sea Fleet headquarters in Sevastopol.[https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/black-sea-fleet-headquarters-takes-direct-hit-from-cruise-missile Black Sea Fleet Headquarters Takes Direct Hit From Cruise Missile]. The Drive. 22 September 2023.[https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-66887524 Ukraine hits HQ of Russia's symbolic Black Sea navy]. BBC. 22 September 2023.{{Cite news |title=Storm Shadow missile 'tears open' Black Sea Fleet HQ in Crimea |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2023/09/22/british-storm-shadow-strikes-black-sea-fleet-hq-in-crimea |access-date=23 September 2023 |website=Telegraph |date=22 September 2023 |language=en |last1=Barnes |first1=Joe }} According to the Ukraine military, the missile attack targeted a meeting of the Russian Navy's leadership. "After the hit of the headquarters of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, 34 officers were killed, including the commander of the Russian Black Sea Fleet", they said. While no confirmation of Sokolov's alleged death is known, neither has any reliable source depicted him as alive and well since the attack took place. They also claimed that the strike wounded at least 100 other Russian service personnel.{{cite web | last=Picheta | first=Rob | title=Ukraine claims commander of Russia's Black Sea Fleet was killed in Sevastopol attack | website=CNN | date=25 September 2023 | url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/25/europe/russia-commander-killed-ukraine-attack-intl/index.html | access-date=25 September 2023}}

On 26 December 2023 it is believed two Storm Shadow and/or SCALP missiles were launched against the Russian occupied port of Feodosia with the Russian landing ship Novocherkassk being hit and turned into a burning wreck.[https://www.rfi.fr/fr/europe/20231227-frappe-ukrainienne-en-mer-noire-la-marine-russe-est-d%C3%A9sormais-sur-la-d%C3%A9fensive Frappe ukrainienne en mer Noire: «La marine russe est désormais sur la défensive»]. RFI. 27 December 2023.[https://www.meretmarine.com/fr/defense/la-marine-russe-a-perdu-un-batiment-de-debarquement-de-chars-en-mer-noire La marine russe a perdu un bâtiment de débarquement de chars en mer Noire]. Mer et Marine. 27 December 2023.{{cite news |title=Watch: Russian warship sunk in suspected Storm Shadow missile attack |newspaper=The Telegraph |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2023/12/26/russian-warship-destroyed-in-ukrainian-attack-on-crimea/ |date=26 December 2023 |last1=Kilner |first1=James }}

At a news conference on 28 May 2024, French President Macron said he permitted Ukraine to use SCALP missiles to strike targets inside Russia, a major departure from previous guidelines that restricted the use of foreign-supplied weapons only to occupied territory. This expansion of use is still restricted to neutralisation of military facilities being used for attacks into Ukraine.{{cite web |url=https://www.wsj.com/world/europe/macron-permits-ukraine-to-use-french-missiles-to-strike-inside-russia-within-limits-80fe5908?mod=world_lead_story |title=Macron Allows Ukraine to Use French Missiles to Strike Inside Russia |first= |last= |date=28 May 2024 |access-date=28 May 2024 |url-access=subscription |work=Wall Street Journal |publisher= }}

In July 2024, the British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that the British government would allow the defensive use of Storm Shadow missiles on targets inside Russia.{{Cite web |title=Keir Starmer gives go-ahead for British missiles to be used in strikes against targets inside Russia |url=https://news.sky.com/story/keir-starmer-gives-go-ahead-for-british-missiles-to-be-used-in-strikes-against-targets-inside-russia-13176370 |access-date=11 July 2024 |website=Sky News |language=en}}

On 25 September 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned the West that if attacked with conventional weapons Russia would consider a nuclear retaliation,{{cite news |title=The Unthinkable: What Nuclear War In Europe Would Look Like |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/nuclear-war-europe-russia-ukraine/33137063.html |work=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |date=27 September 2024}} in an apparent deviation from the no first use doctrine.{{Cite news |title=Vladimir Putin warns west he will consider using nuclear weapons |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/sep/25/vladimir-putin-warns-west-nuclear-weapons |work=The Guardian |first= Pjotr |last= Sauer |date= 25 September 2024 |access-date=26 September 2024}} Putin went on to threaten nuclear powers that if they supported another country's attack on Russia, then they would be considered participants in such an aggression.{{cite news |title=Putin's nuclear red line: Does he actually mean it? |url=https://www.euractiv.com/section/defence-and-security/news/putins-nuclear-read-line-does-he-actually-mean-it/ |work=Euractiv |date=27 September 2024}}{{cite news |title=Putin's nuclear threats: empty rhetoric or a shift in battlefield strategy? |url=https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20240927-vladimir-putin-nuclear-weapons-declaration-more-than-an-empty-threat-ukraine-nato-us-war |work=France 24 |date=27 September 2024}} Experts say Putin's announcement is aimed at dissuading the United States, the United Kingdom and France from allowing Ukraine to use Western-supplied long-range missiles such as the ATACMS and Storm Shadow in strikes against Russia.{{cite news |title=Putin lowers bar for nuclear strike amid Ukraine attacks: Why it matters |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/9/26/putin-lowers-bar-for-nuclear-strike-amid-ukraine-attacks-why-it-matters |work=Al Jazeera |date=26 September 2024}}

On 20 November 2024, Ukraine was reported to have fired British Storm Shadow missiles into Russia for the first time.

The use of Storm Shadow missiles comes after Russia launched a counteroffensive in Kursk, which was invaded by Ukrainian troops in August. It also follows the Biden administration's decision to give Ukraine the green light to use US-made long-range missiles inside Russia earlier this week. Kyiv first used ATACMS to strike a military facility in Bryansk early on 19 November.

{{Cite web |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2024/11/20/russia-ukraine-zelensky-putin-war-latest-news57/ |title=Ukraine fires British Storm Shadow missiles into Russia for first time |author= |date=20 November 2024 |website=telegraph.co.uk |publisher=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=20 November 2024 |quote=}}

It was later reported that the 20 November strikes had hit an underground military facility in Maryino, Kursk Oblast, allegedly killing Russian general Lt-Gen Valery Solodchuk, some other Russian officers, and North Korean troops. Russian authorities did not confirm the losses and there has been no independent verification yet.{{Cite web |last=Stewart |first=Will |last2=Doyle |first2=Liam |date=23 November 2024 |title=Top Putin general and 500 North Korean troops 'killed in UK Storm Shadow strike' |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/breaking-kremlin-general-500-north-34174538 |access-date=23 November 2024 |website=The Mirror |language=en}}[https://www.globaldefensecorp.com/2024/11/23/ukraines-storm-shadow-missile-strikes-killed-russian-army-general-and-eighteen-officers-in-kursk-region/ Ukraine's Storm Shadow Missile Strikes Killed Russia Army General and Eighteen Officers in Kursk Region], Global Defence, 23 November 2024

= Use by India =

The Indian Air Force deployed Rafale jets armed with SCALPs and AASM Hammer bombs, in an operation to strike 9 targets during the 23 minute-long Operation Sindoor, early in the morning of 7 May 2025.{{Cite web |date=7 May 2025 |title=Rafale jets hit Pak terror camps with Scalp missiles, Hammer bombs: Sources |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/rafale-jets-pak-terror-camps-operation-sindoor-pahalgam-attack-retaliation-2720674-2025-05-07 |access-date=7 May 2025 |website=India Today |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Sharma |first=Sheenu |date=7 May 2025 |title=Rafale jets hit nine terror camps in Pakistan and PoK with Scalp missiles and Hammer bombs |url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/rafale-jets-hit-nine-terror-camps-in-pakistan-with-scalp-missiles-hammer-bombs-sources-operation-sindoor-india-pak-war-pahalgam-attack-kashmir-2025-05-07-989011 |access-date=7 May 2025 |website=India TV News |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Amin |first=Zubair |date=7 May 2025 |title=Operation Sindoor Lasted 23 Minutes: SCALP, HAMMER Missiles On Rafale Jets Used To Strike Terror Camps in Pakistan And PoK |url=https://www.newsx.com/world/operation-sindoor-lasted-23-minutes-scalp-hammer-missiles-on-rafale-jets-used-to-strike-terror-camps-in-pakistan-and-pok/ |access-date=7 May 2025 |website=NewsX World |language=en}}

On 10 May 2025, the Indian Air Force executed attacks on several airbases in Pakistan utilising air-launched cruise missiles. Among the weaponry deployed were SCALP EG missiles supplied by France,{{Cite web |last=Malyasov |first=Dylan |date=12 May 2025 |title=India uses SCALP cruise missiles in Pakistan strike |url=https://defence-blog.com/india-uses-scalp-cruise-missiles-in-pakistan-strike/ |access-date=12 May 2025 |website=defence-blog.com |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Fretay |first=Halna du |title=Pakistan Claims Interception of SCALP Missile Fired from Indian Rafale Jet as Regional Tensions Escalate |url=https://armyrecognition.com/news/army-news/2025/pakistan-claims-interception-of-scalp-missile-fired-from-indian-rafale-jet-as-regional-tensions-escalate |access-date=12 May 2025 |website=armyrecognition.com |language=en-gb}} resulting in damage to the targeted Pakistani airbases.{{Cite web |last=Member |first=Farsi Writers Page Amir Daftari News Reporter Newsweek Is A. Trust Project |date=12 May 2025 |title=Satellite Images reveal damage to Pakistan air base after Indian strike |url=https://www.newsweek.com/satellite-images-damage-pakistan-air-base-nur-khan-india-strike-2070833 |access-date=12 May 2025 |website=Newsweek |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=12 May 2025 |title=Satellite imagery confirms strikes on Pakistani military targets under Op Sindoor |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/satellite-images-confirm-damage-pakistani-military-bases-2723275-2025-05-12 |access-date=12 May 2025 |website=India Today |language=en}}

Export variant

=Black Shaheen=

Developed by France for export to the United Arab Emirates for use with its Mirage 2000, modifications were made to reduce the range reportedly to {{convert|290|km|nmi mi|abbr=on}} in order to comply with Missile Technology Control Regime guidelines.

MdCN

{{main|MdCN (missile)}}

In 2006, MBDA France{{cite web |date=4 July 2013 |title=Communiqué de presse |url=https://www.mbda-systems.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Press-release-2013-07-05-FR.pdf}} began the development of a more potent deep strike naval cruise missile to be deployed on a new series of French warships and submarines for land-attack operations in order to complement the SCALP/Storm Shadow. This Missile de Croisière Naval (MdCN),{{Cite news|url=https://www.naval-technology.com/projects/mdcn-missile-croisiere-naval/|title=MdCN (Missile De Croisière Naval – Naval Cruise Missile), France|newspaper=Naval Technology|access-date=2 January 2022}} formerly dubbed SCALP Naval, became operational on the French FREMM multipurpose frigates in 2017[http://www.upi.com/Defense-News/2017/06/07/French-frigates-getting-cruise-missiles/4111496820728/ French frigates getting cruise missiles] – UPI.com, 7 June 2017{{cite web|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-3551784821.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924204402/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-3551784821.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 September 2015|title=Final Qualification Firing for French Naval Cruise Missile|work=Sea Technology|date=1 December 2014|access-date=15 August 2015}} and on {{sclass2|Barracuda|submarine|1||France}}s in June 2022,{{cite web |date=3 June 2022 |title=French Navy's 1st Suffren-class Nuclear Powered Submarine Enters Service |url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2022/06/french-navys-1st-suffren-class-nuclear-powered-submarine-enters-service/}} using the A70 version of the Sylver launcher on the former{{Cite web|url=https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/naval-exhibitions/2018/euronaval-2018/6536-french-navy-fitting-aster-30-long-range-sam-on-its-last-two-asw-fremm-frigates.html|title=French Navy Fitting Aster 30 Long Range SAM on its Last Two ASW FREMM Frigates|website=Navyrecognition.com|access-date=2 January 2022}} and the 533 mm torpedo tubes on the latter.{{Cite web|url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2021/10/rare-access-inside-suffren-submarine/|title=World's Newest Class of Nuclear Attack Submarine: Rare Access Inside Suffren|first=Xavier|last=Vavasseur|website=Navalnews.com|date=21 October 2021|access-date=2 January 2022}} As it is not launched from a plane like the SCALP, the MdCN uses a booster during its launch phase to break out of the ship and gain some initial velocity.{{cite web |date=16 June 2010 |title=Premier tir réussi pour le missile de croisière Scalp Naval |url=http://www.meretmarine.com/article.cfm?id=113468 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120718104040/http://www.meretmarine.com/article.cfm?id=113468 |archive-date=18 July 2012 |access-date=24 May 2012 |website=Mer et Marine |publisher= |language=fr}}

Despite the fact that it was previously called SCALP Naval, it is not a variant of the Storm Shadow, has no stealth shaping, but is a more conventional, longer range sea-launched cruise missile, very similar to Tomahawk.

Replacement

{{Main articles|Future Cruise/Anti-Ship Weapon}}

Between 2016 and 2018, France and the United Kingdom began jointly developing a replacement for Storm Shadow/SCALP for both the French Air and Space Force and the Royal Air Force, as well as the Exocet and Harpoon anti-ship missiles for the French Navy and Royal Navy. As of 2022, the programme was examining two complementary concepts; a subsonic, low observable missile and a supersonic, highly manoeuvrable missile.{{Cite web |title=UK and France advance future cruise / anti-ship weapon project {{!}} Press Release |url=https://www.mbda-systems.com/press-releases/uk-and-france-advance-future-cruise-anti-ship-weapon-project/ |access-date=1 November 2023 |website=MBDA |language=en-US}} On 20 June 2023 at the Paris Air Show, Italy signed a letter of intent to join the programme.{{Cite web |last=Vavasseur |first=Xavier |date=26 June 2023 |title=Italy Joins France and the UK for FC/ASW Program |url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2023/06/italy-joins-france-and-the-uk-for-fc-asw-program/ |access-date=1 November 2023 |website=Naval News |language=en-US}} Italy confirmed its initial funding contribution in November and this also came with the announcement that the programme would produce a deep-strike land-attack missile by 2028 and an anti-ship missile by 2034.{{Cite web |title=Italy finally funds naval missile projects {{!}} Shephard |url=https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/naval-warfare/italy-finally-funds-naval-missile-projects/ |access-date=20 November 2023 |website=www.shephardmedia.com |language=en}}

Operators

File:Storm Shadow operators.png

File:Stormshadowcrop.JPG

;{{flag|Croatia}}

: Undisclosed number of SCALP-EG missiles ordered as part of the Dassault Rafale deal was confirmed to Večernji list by head of Croatian Air Force Michael Križanec.{{Cite web |title=Hrvatska kupila projektile SCALP EG, protubrodske Exocet, možda i Meteore |url=https://www.vecernji.hr/vijesti/dokument-otkriva-hrvatski-rafalei-imat-ce-istu-opremu-kao-i-francuski-1716758/galerija-578176?page=1 |access-date=24 March 2025 |website=www.vecernji.hr |language=hr}}

;{{flag|Egypt}}

: 100+ delivered for the Egyptian Air Force as part of the Dassault Rafale deal.{{Cite web|url=https://www.ilfattoquotidiano.it/2021/02/15/missili-a-lungo-raggio-venduti-e-consegnati-allegitto-di-al-sisi-dal-consorzio-europeo-mbda-al-25-dellitaliana-leonardo/6101648/|title=Missili a lungo raggio venduti e consegnati all'Egitto di al-Sisi dal consorzio europeo Mbda (al 25% dell'italiana Leonardo)|date=15 February 2021|website=Il Fatto Quotidiano|access-date=2 January 2022}}{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=3 February 2021|title=Egyptian Air Force displays SCALP cruise missile|url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/egyptian-air-force-displays-scalp-cruise-missile|access-date=11 February 2021|website=}}{{Cite web|url=https://egyptindependent.com/photos-egypts-army-reveals-scalp-stealth-missiles/|title=Photos: Egypt's army reveals SCALP stealth missiles|website=Egyptindependent.com|date=3 February 2021|access-date=2 January 2022}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/egyptian-air-force-displays-scalp-cruise-missile|title=Egyptian Air Force displays SCALP cruise missile|website=Janes.com|access-date=2 January 2022}}{{cite web|url=http://missilethreat.com/missiles/scalp-eg/|title=Scalp EG/Storm Shadow/Black Shaheen|access-date=7 May 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140408041603/http://missilethreat.com/missiles/scalp-eg/|archive-date=8 April 2014}}

;{{flag|France}}

: 500 SCALP missiles ordered for the French Air and Space Force in 1998. 50 MdCNs ordered in 2006 and a further 150 ordered in 2009 for the French Navy.{{cite web | url=http://www.senat.fr/rap/a12-150-8/a12-150-815.html#toc290 | title=Projet de loi de finances pour 2013 : Défense : équipement des forces | language=fr | publisher=Senate of France | date=22 November 2012 | access-date=7 November 2013}}

; {{flag|Greece}}

: 90 ordered for the Hellenic Air Force in 2000 and 2003.{{cite web|url=https://www.haf.gr/arsenal/scalp-eg/|title=SCALP-EG|publisher=Hellenic Air Force|access-date=14 April 2018}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newsbeast.gr/greece/arthro/2551156/i-polemiki-aeroporia-diatheti-piravlo-krouz|title=Η πολεμική αεροπορία διαθέτει πύραυλο κρουζ|website=Newsbeast.gr|access-date=14 April 2018}} More ordered and delivered in 2022 as part of the Dassault Rafale F3R deal.{{cite news |title=All Greek Rafales will be at the latest F3R standard |url=https://www.meta-defense.fr/en/2020/09/25/all-greek-bursts-will-be-at-latest-f3r-standard/ |work=Meta-Defense |date=25 September 2020 |access-date=31 August 2021 |archive-date=15 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211115192946/https://www.meta-defense.fr/en/2020/09/25/all-greek-bursts-will-be-at-latest-f3r-standard/ |url-status=dead }}

;{{flag|Italy}}

: 200 ordered for the Aeronautica Militare in 1999.

;{{flag|India}}

: Undisclosed number ordered for the Indian Air Force in 2016 as part of the Dassault Rafale deal.{{cite news|last1=Shukla|first1=Tarun|title=India signs $8.9 billion Rafale fighter jet deal with France|url=http://www.livemint.com/Politics/evf5K6CXgBWob80jHxbUgL/India-France-sign-89billion-dollar-Rafale-deal-for-36-fig.html|work=Livemint|date=23 September 2016}}

;{{flag|Qatar}}

: 140 ordered for the Qatar Air Force in 2015.{{cite web|url=http://airrecognition.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1745%20|title=Qatar Emiri Air Force To Get The Full Range of MBDA Missiles for its 24 Rafale fighters 0705152|website=Airrecognition.com|access-date=8 October 2015}}

;{{flag|Saudi Arabia}}

: Undisclosed number ordered for the Royal Saudi Air Force.{{Cite web |url=https://www.armscontrolwonk.com/archive/205127/saudi-storm-shadow-sale-confirmed/ |title=Saudi Storm Shadow Sale Confirmed |access-date=25 June 2021 |archive-date=25 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625225722/https://www.armscontrolwonk.com/archive/205127/saudi-storm-shadow-sale-confirmed/ |url-status=dead }}

;{{flag|Ukraine}}

: Undisclosed number donated by France, Italy, and the UK.

;{{flag|United Arab Emirates}}

: Undisclosed number ordered for the United Arab Emirates Air Force in 1997. Known as Black Shaheen.{{Cite web|url=http://www.defense-aerospace.com/article-view/release/31493/greece-orders-mica,-scalp-missiles-(jan.-9).html|title=MBDA to Supply MICA and SCALP EG / STORM SHADOW Missile Systems to the Hellenic Air Force|website=Defense-aerospace.com|access-date=2 January 2022|archive-date=11 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220111091707/http://www.defense-aerospace.com/article-view/release/31493/greece-orders-mica,-scalp-missiles-(jan.-9).html|url-status=dead}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/storm-shadow-missile/|title=Storm Shadow / SCALP Long-Range, Air-Launched, Stand-Off Attack Missile|newspaper=Airforce Technology|access-date=2 January 2022}}

;{{flag|United Kingdom}}

: The Independent estimated the order for the Royal Air Force to be between 700 and 1,000.{{cite news |last1=Bellamy |first1=Christopher |last2=Brown |first2=Colin |date=25 June 1996 |title=Thousands of jobs shielded by new military spending |work=The Independent |location=London}}

See also

{{Div col|colwidth=20em}}

  • {{lwc|Kalibr (missile family)|3M14A}}
  • {{lwc|AGM-129 ACM}}
  • {{lwc|AGM-158 JASSM}}
  • {{lwc|BrahMos#BrahMos-A|BrahMos-A}}
  • {{lwc|Delilah (missile)|Delilah}}
  • {{lwc|Hongniao#HN-1|HN-1}}
  • {{lwc|HOPE/HOSBO}}
  • {{lwc|Joint Strike Missile}}
  • {{lwc|KD-88}}
  • {{lwc|Kh-55}}
  • {{lwc|P-800 Oniks|Kh-61/P-800}}
  • {{lwc|AV-TM 300|MTC-300}}
  • {{lwc|Popeye (missile)|Popeye}}
  • {{lwc|Ra'ad-II}}
  • {{lwc|Saber (cruise missile)|Saber}}
  • {{lwc|SOM (missile)}}
  • {{lwc|Taurus KEPD 350}}
  • {{lwc|Wan Chien}}
  • {{lwc|YJ-12}}

{{Div col end}}

References

{{reflist}}