STORM SHADOW MISSILE
Ukraine recently launched a daring strike on a Russian chemical plant in Bryansk using UK-made Storm Shadow long-range missiles, reportedly penetrating Moscow’s air defenses.
ABOUT STORM SHADOW MISSILES
- It is a long-range, air-launched cruise missile.
- It was jointly developed by the United Kingdom and France.
- The French call it SCALP.
- Designed for stealth and precision, the SCALP is capable of operating in any weather conditions.
- It is intended to strike high-valued stationary assets such as airbases, radar installations, communications hubs and port facilities.
- It is also in service with the air forces of Egypt, India, Italy, Greece, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
- It is compatible with multiple aircraft platforms.
INDIA’S VERSION
- India integrates SCALP with the Rafale fighter jets, which are currently operated by the Indian Air Force.
- Features:
- It is powered by a turbojet engine, which provides it with a range exceeding 550 kilometers.
- Weighing 1,300 kg, it carries a 450 kg conventional warhead capable of penetrating hardened bunkers.
- It is just over five metres long and has a wingspan of three metres.
- Flying at subsonic speeds (around Mach 0.8) and low altitudes, it uses terrain-following navigation, GPS/INS guidance, and infrared terminal homing for high accuracy.
- These features allow it to fly at low altitudes to evade enemy radar detection.
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