Aster and SCALP-EG: France Increases Missile Production and Aid to Ukraine

France will order additional Aster and SCALP-EG missiles within the 2026 budget.

This is provided for in the country’s draft defense budget, according to French Aid to Ukraine, citing an interview with French Air Force General Jérôme Bellanger.

They noted that France plans to purchase additional Aster surface-to-air missiles and SCALP-EG cruise missiles in 2026.

The new purchases are intended to strengthen air defense and replenish stocks after the transfer of some weapons to Ukraine.

France, Italy, and the United Kingdom have already ordered 1,118 Aster missiles under a joint contract.

Two defense companies, MBDA and Thales, are responsible for implementing the contract.

The French order includes Aster 30 missiles, which are also intended for transfer to Ukraine. They are capable of intercepting air targets at a distance of up to 120 km.

In addition, Paris will order a new batch of SCALP-EG cruise missiles, which have already proven their effectiveness in combat operations in Ukraine.

Scalp is the French equivalent of the British Storm Shadow missiles, developed jointly with Britain.

Both versions are similar in characteristics, with the exception of software and carrier platforms.

The Scalp has a range of 560 km, although the export version has a reduced range of 290 km and a less powerful warhead.

Earlier, Spain announced that it would finance American weapons for Ukraine within the framework of PURL.