Greece’s military capabilities have been significantly strengthened by the SCALP-EG missile system, a sophisticated long-range weapon developed through Franco-British collaboration.
While the system has become a crucial asset for the Greek Armed Forces, its British variant, the Storm Shadow, has recently garnered international attention due to its deployment by Ukraine in strikes against Russian targets.
Ukraine has utilised the British-supplied Storm Shadow missiles, a variant of the SCALP-EG, in its efforts to target strategic sites within Russian territory. Supplied by the United Kingdom with approval from Western allies, these missiles have extended Ukraine’s capacity to conduct precision attacks at significant range, adding a new dynamic to the conflict.
Greece’s Deployment of SCALP-EG
The SCALP-EG, nearly identical to the Storm Shadow, has been central to Greece’s defence strategy for years. Introduced in 2000, the missiles were acquired for the Hellenic Air Force’s Mirage 2000-5 aircraft under agreements with France. Greece procured a total of 90 units in two phases, reflecting its early recognition of the weapon’s strategic importance.
In 2022, Greece upgraded its aerial strike capabilities by integrating the SCALP-EG missiles with its cutting-edge Rafale F3R fighter jets. This modernisation ensures the Hellenic Air Force can conduct precision strikes on high-value targets such as command centres, ports, bridges, and energy infrastructure, maintaining a formidable deterrent in the region.
Expanding Capability: SCALP Naval for the Greek Navy
Greece is now extending its SCALP missile expertise to its naval forces. The Hellenic Navy is equipping its new FDI (Belharra) frigates with the SCALP Naval variant, which boasts an extended range of up to 1,000 kilometres. This development was confirmed in September by Defence Minister Nikos Dendias during a visit to shipyards in Lorient, France.
Three of the four frigates under construction will carry these advanced missiles, significantly enhancing Greece’s ability to project power across the Mediterranean. With the SCALP Naval, the Navy will gain precision-strike capabilities against both land and maritime targets, bolstering its role in regional stability.
Technical Specifications and Strategic Importance
Both the SCALP-EG and Storm Shadow missiles are manufactured by MBDA and share identical technical specifications. Each missile weighs 1,300 kilograms, carries a 120-kilogram BROACH warhead, and travels at a speed of Mach 0.8. With a range of 300 kilometres for the standard version and 1,000 kilometres for the naval variant, these missiles are designed for deep strikes on fortified and strategic targets.
For Greece, these missiles are a cornerstone of its defence strategy, ensuring both its Air Force and Navy are equipped with state-of-the-art technology. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s use of the British variant highlights the system’s critical role in shifting the dynamics of warfare.
(Source: To Vima)