Negotiations between India and France are gaining momentum toward a major defence deal centered on additional SCALP air-launched cruise missiles, following the weapon’s combat-proven performance during the Indian Air Force’s Operation Sindoor strikes last year. Officials involved in the discussions indicate that talks are progressing smoothly, with a final decision expected soon as India moves to expand its long-range precision strike capabilities.
The renewed focus on SCALP stems from operational experience. During Operation Sindoor, Rafale aircraft fired the missile in coordinated attacks with BrahMos supersonic weapons against terrorist command hubs linked to Jaish-e-Mohamed and Lashkar-e-Toiba in Pakistan’s Muridke and Bahawalpur districts. The strikes reportedly achieved decisive effects against hardened targets while minimizing collateral damage, validating SCALP’s accuracy and survivability in defended airspace.
SCALP, also marketed as Storm Shadow, is optimized for deep strikes against fortified infrastructure and high-value command nodes. Its low-observable design, terrain-following flight path, and advanced guidance allow aircraft to engage targets from stand-off distances, aligning with the IAF’s evolving emphasis on precision engagement without direct exposure to enemy air defenses.
Financially, the discussions suggest a substantial procurement. With each missile estimated to cost roughly $3 million, the proposed order is believed to range between 100 and 120 units. Such numbers would significantly enhance India’s strike reserves and support sustained operations across multiple platforms. There are also indications that part of the inventory could be allocated for naval aviation, expanding maritime strike options.
At a strategic level, the prospective deal underscores the maturity of the India–France defence partnership, which now extends beyond aircraft acquisition to advanced weapons and industrial collaboration. Expanding the SCALP stockpile would cement its role as a cornerstone of India’s precision-strike doctrine and reinforce long-term deterrence in a challenging regional security environment.
