France Confirms Future Deliveries of Mistral and SCALP Missiles to Ukraine.

France is set to deliver additional Mistral air-defense missiles and SCALP long-range missiles to Ukraine, confirmed Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu in an interview published on November 9, 2024, by “Le Journal du Dimanche.” This announcement underscores France’s deepening commitment to supporting Ukraine’s defense capabilities, particularly in areas where the conflict with Russia remains intense and for operations to counter enemy advances. Lecornu’s confirmation highlights France’s strategic objectives to reinforce Ukrainian defense both in contested zones and in broader, sustained counteroffensive actions.
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France pledges continued support to Ukraine in its defense against Russia with additional deliveries of Mistral air-defense and Scalp long-range missiles.

Since the start of the conflict in February 2022, France has been a critical supplier of advanced defense systems to Ukraine. Lecornu stated that the latest shipment will include Mistral missiles to bolster protection in combat areas. "We will again supply Mistral missiles, particularly to protect combat zones," he said. He also noted that to support Ukraine’s ability to strike critical locations behind Russian lines, France will transfer around ten more Scalp missiles. France has already provided Ukraine with roughly 100 Mistral and 50 SCALP missiles in previous shipments, which have proven instrumental in strengthening Ukraine’s layered air defenses and precision strike capabilities.

The Mistral missile system, a short-range, man-portable air-defense system (MANPADS), has been essential on the battlefield for neutralizing low-altitude threats such as helicopters, drones, and low-flying fixed-wing aircraft. Operated by a single soldier, the shoulder-fired missile uses an infrared seeker to acquire targets, making it highly effective even against evasive, high-speed threats. With a range of about 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) and a high-explosive warhead equipped with a proximity fuse, the Mistral can eliminate small aircraft and drones with remarkable speed and precision.

In the Ukrainian context, these systems have proven especially valuable for protecting troops and critical infrastructure from low-level aerial incursions, especially as the conflict sees an increased use of UAVs. Due to its lightweight, portable nature, the Mistral can be easily deployed in remote areas, providing flexible and responsive defense against aerial attacks.

The SCALP missile, known as the Storm Shadow in British service, is an air-launched, long-range cruise missile designed to conduct precision strikes on high-value, heavily defended targets far behind enemy lines. With a range exceeding 250 kilometers (155 miles), the Scalp allows Ukrainian forces to target essential Russian infrastructure, command centers, and ammunition depots, delivering strategic impacts with minimal exposure to enemy defenses.

The SCALP missile’s dual-charge BROACH (Bomb Royal Ordnance Augmented Charge) warhead is built to penetrate hardened targets, achieving significant destruction upon detonation. Additionally, the missile’s low-flying profile and stealth characteristics make it hard to detect by radar, enabling it to evade advanced air-defense systems. Since Ukraine’s first deployment of the Scalp, it has played a vital role in enhancing long-range strike capabilities, a critical asset for disrupting Russian supply lines and command networks.

France’s support to Ukraine has been consistent since the war’s outset, with deliveries that include Caesar self-propelled howitzers, AMX-10 RC armored vehicles, and several thousand rounds of artillery and ammunition. Lecornu highlighted that this commitment will extend beyond the cessation of active hostilities, underscoring France’s strategic dedication to building a resilient and capable Ukrainian defense force.

By continuing to equip Ukraine with Mistral air-defense systems and Scalp missiles, France affirms its support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and its ongoing resilience in the face of current and future challenges. These systems are not only vital to Ukraine’s immediate defensive needs but also integral to its long-term security and deterrence capabilities.