Scalp Missile Price in Rupees, Range, Specifications and Characteristics
The SCALP (Système de Croisière Autonome à Longue Portée) missile, known as Storm Shadow in the UK, is a top-tier long-range cruise missile from MBDA, a European missile maker. It is designed for precision strikes on high-value targets. The SCALP is recognized for its stealth, long-range, and high accuracy. It can hit critical infrastructure, command centers, air defense systems, and bunkers with minimal collateral damage.
This missile flies at low altitudes to dodge radar detection. It uses global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) for guidance. The SCALP missile has an impressive range of over 250 km, making it a powerful tool in modern warfare.
In 2016, India signed a deal to buy the SCALP missile. This ₹18,000 crore agreement with France aims to enhance the Indian Air Force’s strike capabilities. This article explores its price, range, specifications, and key features.
Scalp Missile Price in Rupees
The SCALP (Système de Croisière Autonome à Longue Portée) missile, also known as Storm Shadow in the UK, is a long-range cruise missile developed by MBDA. India procured the SCALP missile as part of a ₹18,000 crore (approximately $2.5 billion) deal with France in 2016. This agreement included the purchase of 50 SCALP missiles for the Dassault Rafale fighter aircraft.
Given the total contract value and the number of missiles, the estimated cost per SCALP missile is approximately ₹36 crore (around $4.5 million).
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SCALP Missile Specifications: Range, Warhead, Speed, and Accuracy
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Missile Name | SCALP (Système de Croisière Autonome à Longue Portée) |
| Type | Air-launched cruise missile |
| Range | Over 250 km |
| Speed | Mach 0.8 – Mach 1 (approximately 980 – 1,225 km/h) |
| Warhead | 450 kg (conventional high-explosive warhead) |
| Guidance System | GPS, INS, and Terrain Referenced Navigation (TRN) |
| Flight Altitude | Low-level flight (~100 m) |
| Accuracy | < 5 meters (high precision) |
| Engagement Type | Precision strikes against static targets like bunkers, air defenses, and infrastructure |
| Launch Platform | Typically launched from Dassault Rafale or Eurofighter Typhoon |
Countries Using SCALP Missiles
| Country | Operator Details |
|---|---|
| France | Original developer; operational since 1998. |
| United Kingdom | Known as Storm Shadow; in service since 2003. |
| Italy | Approximately 200 missiles ordered in 1999. |
| India | Procured as part of the 2016 Rafale deal; used in Operation Sindoor in May 2025. |
| Greece | 90 missiles ordered in 2000 and 2003; additional orders in 2022. |
| Qatar | 140 missiles ordered in 2015. |
| Saudi Arabia | Undisclosed number ordered. |
| United Arab Emirates | Known as Black Shaheen; ordered in 1997. |
| Egypt | Over 100 missiles delivered as part of the Rafale deal. |
| Ukraine | Received deliveries in 2023; used in operations against Russian targets. |
Alternatives
| Missile System | Country | Range | Launch Platform | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taurus KEPD 350 | Germany/Sweden | ~500 km | Eurofighter, Tornado | Stealth, high penetration warhead, advanced guidance |
| AGM-158 JASSM | USA | 370 – 1,000+ km | F-16, F-35, B-1B | Stealth, GPS/INS, hardened target capability |
| Popeye Turbo | Israel | ~250+ km | F-15, F-16 | Precision strike, nuclear-capable version exists |
| CJ-10 (KD-20) | China | 1,500 – 2,000 km | H-6 bomber | Long-range, cruise profile similar to Tomahawk |
| Nirbhay (India) | India | ~1,000 km | Ground/air/sea | Subsonic cruise missile, in development/improvement |
| Tomahawk | USA | ~1,600 km | Ship/submarine launched | Widely used, long proven combat record |
Pros and Cons
Pros of SCALP Missile
| Advantage | Details |
|---|---|
| Long Range | Up to 560 km, allowing deep-strike without entering enemy airspace. |
| High Accuracy | GPS/INS navigation with terminal infrared homing ensures precision. |
| Stealth Design | Low radar cross-section enhances survivability against air defenses. |
| Large Warhead | Carries a 450 kg BROACH warhead capable of destroying hardened targets. |
| All-Weather Capability | Functions effectively in day/night and adverse weather conditions. |
| Fire-and-Forget | Fully autonomous after launch—no pilot guidance needed. |
Cons of SCALP Missile
| Limitation | Details |
|---|---|
| High Cost | Around ₹7.5 crore (€850,000) per unit—expensive for large-scale usage. |
| Limited to Certain Platforms | Can only be launched from specific aircraft like Rafale or Tornado. |
| Subsonic Speed | Vulnerable to interception if detected early. |
| Dependency on Foreign Supply | Not indigenously produced in India—subject to export controls and politics. |
FAQs
What is the SCALP missile?
SCALP (also known as Storm Shadow in the UK) is a long-range, air-launched cruise missile developed by France’s MBDA. It is designed to destroy high-value, well-defended targets such as bunkers, radar stations, and command centers.
What is the price of the SCALP missile in Indian Rupees?
Each SCALP missile costs approximately ₹7.5 crore (around €850,000 per unit).
What is the range of the SCALP missile?
It has an effective range of about 560 kilometers, allowing for deep strikes without exposing aircraft to enemy defenses.
Which aircraft can launch the SCALP missile?
It is compatible with platforms like the Dassault Rafale, Eurofighter Typhoon, and Tornado. The Indian Air Force uses it with Rafale fighter jets.
What kind of warhead does it carry?
SCALP carries a 450 kg BROACH dual-stage warhead designed for high-penetration and blast effects.
Is the SCALP missile stealthy?
Yes. It features a low radar cross-section and flies at low altitudes to evade detection and interception.
Which countries use the SCALP missile?
Users include France, UK, India, Saudi Arabia, Italy, Egypt, and Greece, among others.
Conclusion
The SCALP missile, also called Storm Shadow, is vital for modern airstrikes. It offers deep-penetration, precision-guided firepower for nations. With a range of 560 kilometers and a strong BROACH warhead, it strikes high-value and fortified targets. This keeps the launch platform safe from enemy air defenses.
Its advanced navigation and stealthy design are great for all-weather missions, both preemptive and retaliatory. Although the cost per missile is high, its tactical benefits in high-threat areas justify the expense for many countries. India’s use of SCALP with its Rafale fleet enhances its deterrence power. As warfare shifts toward precision and survivability, missiles like SCALP shape the future of long-range air strikes. In short, SCALP is more than a missile; it enhances air dominance in 21st-century combat.
