On May 11, MBDA, the European defense conglomerate, announced a new contract with Greece for the mid-life refurbishment (MLR) of the Hellenic Air Force’s (HAF) SCALP missiles. The contract marks a significant step in the ongoing relationship between the two entities.
The agreement was signed by Admiral Aristeidis Alexopoulos, General Director for Defence Investments and Armaments of the Greek Ministry of National Defence, and Eric Béranger, CEO of MBDA.
MLR Contract Features
This MLR contract is tailored specifically for the HAF’s SCALP missiles. It includes procurement of mission planning products, maintenance, and technical assistance, with an objective to extend the operational superiority of these weapons against future threats.
Eric Béranger, CEO of MBDA, acknowledged the significance of this agreement, recognizing it as a testament to the trust between MBDA and the HAF. The relationship dates back 55 years to the first-ever Exocet contract with Greece. Béranger pledged to continue delivering sovereign capabilities and best-fit solutions for the Hellenic Armed Forces.
The SCALP missiles, the focus of this MLR contract, are deployed on the HAF’s Mirage 2000-5 and Rafale fighter aircraft. These missiles were originally ordered as part of the weapon package for the Mirage 2000-5. Greece also ordered additional SCALP missiles in 2021 and 2022 as part of the weapon packages for 18 Rafale and an additional six Rafale aircraft, respectively.
On May 10, the United Kingdom announced that it will provide Ukraine with Storm Shadow missiles, the British name for SCALP missiles. Ben Wallace, UK’s Minister of Defense, told MPs «I can confirm that the UK is donating Storm Shadow missiles to Ukraine. Storm Shadow is a long range, conventional only, precision strike capability. It complements the long range system already gifted, including HIMARS and Harpoon missiles, as well as Ukraine’s own Neptune cruise missile.”
UK confirmed supply of long-range Storm Shadow missiles to Ukraine
