RFI reports that France has implemented a covert operation codenamed "Chrysalide" to supply Ukraine with Scalp-EG cruise missiles in its fight against Russian invasion. Scalp is the French variant of the Anglo-French missile, better known in Ukraine under its British name, Storm Shadow.
Initial Scalp/Storm Shadow deliveries in 2023's second half proved instrumental against Russian targets. Strikes crippled Black Sea naval assets like the Kilo-class submarine Rostov-na-Donu, enabling Ukraine to secure coastal maritime corridors to export its grain by sea. Inland, the Scalp's bunker-busting capabilities neutralized deeply-entrenched Russian logistics and command hubs unreachable by other Ukrainian ordnance.The scheme repurposes decommissioned Scalp missiles, some reaching end-of-life and others cannibalized for parts, through an affordable refurbishing process.
Older missiles unfit for service are shipped to Matra BAE Dynamics Aérospatiale's Bourges facility, where they undergo a three-month overhaul to restore functionality through replacement components and rigorous testing. This streamlined "consumer" approach, not treating the missiles for long-term storage, reduces costs to a quarter of brand-new Scalps.
The revamped missiles augment Ukraine's firepower without impacting French strategic stocks. France also explores other armament sources like export-variant Scalps nearing expiry from foreign clients. While requiring software modifications for Ukrainian compatibility, direct transfers reimbursed by new missile purchases remain the ideal scenario.
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