The Storm Shadow, known as SCALP EG in French service, represents a pinnacle in modern cruise missile technology—designed for long-range, high-precision strikes deep inside hostile territory. Developed by MBDA, this air-launched missile has become a critical asset in the arsenals of the UK, France, Italy, and other allied forces, offering surgical strike capabilities against high-value, fortified targets.
Compatible with leading combat aircraft like the Eurofighter Typhoon, Dassault Rafale, and Panavia Tornado, Storm Shadow is tailored to work seamlessly across multi-national air fleets. Its stealth design, modular configuration, and precision targeting systems make it one of the most reliable and flexible tools in NATO’s strategic inventory.
Design That Defies Defenses
Powered by a turbojet engine, Storm Shadow can glide over 250 kilometers to its target at subsonic speeds while maintaining a low radar profile. Its aerodynamic, low-observable airframe and terrain-following flight pattern (via TERPROM) allow it to fly beneath enemy radar, making detection and interception extremely difficult.
At its core is a tandem warhead: the first charge punches through hardened structures such as bunkers, while the second high-explosive charge ensures complete internal devastation. This two-stage warhead system allows the missile to eliminate heavily protected command centers or underground facilities from a safe, standoff distance.
Smart Guidance for Strategic Impact
Storm Shadow’s guidance package includes:
- Inertial Navigation System (INS) paired with GPS, for mid-course accuracy.
- TERPROM (Terrain Profile Matching) to follow the earth’s contours with pinpoint precision.
- Programmable pre-launch mission profiles, allowing operators to tailor the missile path.
- Data-link updates (in modern variants) for mid-flight course corrections.
Such smart guidance ensures minimal collateral damage and maximum impact, making it ideal for engagements in politically sensitive or densely populated regions.
Combat-Proven Legacy
From Iraq and Libya to Syria, Storm Shadow / SCALP EG has a distinguished combat record. Its deployment in multinational operations underlines its reliability and effectiveness. Whether targeting hardened bunkers or mobile command units, it consistently delivers strategic effects with minimal exposure to allied forces.
At a Glance: Technical Specifications
- Length: 5.1 m (16.7 ft)
- Wingspan: 3 m (9.8 ft)
- Weight: 1,300 kg (2,870 lbs)
- Speed: Subsonic (~Mach 0.8)
- Range: 250+ km (155+ mi)
- Warhead: Dual-charge (penetrator + HE)
- Guidance: INS + GPS + TERPROM
In today’s high-threat airspace, the Storm Shadow / SCALP EG remains a benchmark in deep-strike capability—stealthy, smart, and devastatingly effective. Its continued integration into next-generation platforms ensures that it will remain a key component of precision warfare for years to come.
