How SCALP Missiles Success in Ukraine Underscores India's Critical Need for Indigenous & Stealth Cruise Missiles

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has provided a stark demonstration of the strategic importance of advanced weaponry, with the SCALP air-launched cruise missile (ALCM) emerging as a game-changer.

Supplied by the UK and France, these long-range, precision-guided missiles have allowed Ukraine to strike high-value Russian targets far behind enemy lines, disrupting supply chains and degrading military capabilities.

This success story has important implications for India, highlighting the critical need for the nation to accelerate the development and deployment of its own indigenous cruise missiles.

The SCALP, with its impressive range and pinpoint accuracy, has proven instrumental in Ukraine's counteroffensive. Since their introduction in July 2023, these missiles have been used to neutralize key infrastructure such as bridges, command centers, and ammunition depots, significantly hindering Russia's ability to sustain its operations.

The SCALP's battlefield impact is comparable to that of other crucial systems like HIMARS, loitering munitions, and advanced air defense systems, all of which have contributed to shifting the momentum of the conflict.

For India, the SCALP's effectiveness in Ukraine serves as a powerful reminder of the need for self-reliance in critical military technology. Currently, the Indian Air Force (IAF) possesses only 36 Rafale fighter jets equipped to carry the SCALP, limiting its operational flexibility and overall strategic reach.

Furthermore, relying on foreign suppliers for such vital weapons systems creates vulnerabilities in supply chains and potential geopolitical constraints.

Recognizing this, India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) have initiated indigenous cruise missile programs.

DRDO is developing a new stealth ALCM powered by a Small Turbofan Engine (STFE), designed to provide enhanced range, accuracy, and survivability. HAL, in collaboration with NewSpace Research & Technologies, is working on the CATS Hunter, a low-observable standoff missile optimized for integration with IAF fighter jets.

While these programs hold significant promise, their progress appears to have slowed. To ensure India's strategic autonomy and operational readiness, it is imperative to expedite the development and deployment of these indigenous cruise missiles. This will not only reduce reliance on foreign suppliers but also allow for customization to meet specific operational requirements.

Furthermore, domestic production will foster a robust defense industrial ecosystem, driving innovation in related technologies such as propulsion systems, stealth materials, and data links.

By prioritizing the development of indigenous cruise missiles like the DRDO stealth ALCM and the HAL CATS Hunter, India can significantly enhance its deterrent posture and operational capabilities.

These missiles, can be deployed on a wider range of IAF fighter aircraft, including the Su-30MKI and Tejas Mark 1A, will provide a crucial standoff capability, allowing India to project power and safeguard its national interests in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.

 

[sanket]

DRDO s Stealth ALCM is soon likely t b tested

 

[Chinese eater]

Whenever India is in war Western countries leading America will delay the weapons systems and spares to India

 

[Prit]

Stealth variant of Nirbhay?

 

[Sandeep]

India needs to develop an indigenous version of the Scalp missile but it must be 100% indigenously designed, developed and manufactured with indigenous materials and contents.

Using stealth material and radar absorbing paint we can then reduce the possibility of it being spotted and intercepted by a SAM or jet. The missile should also fly very low to avoid it getting spotted on radar by using its terrain hugging capabilities. Another potential problem might be the engine discharging hot air which can be picked up by infrared radar so we would need to develop or convert the hot air into cold air before leaving the missile.

By developing and installing all of these crucial technologies and materials we can then say it’s a true stealth missile.

 

[tipoo2]

And for the air launched leg of the nuclear triad also. We only have them on gravity bombs, on old even for fourth gen fighters with large radar returns that are susceptible to takedown before they get in close enough with gravity only bombs.

The French are already moving on to a next gen nuclear cruise missile. It looks like India has resumed improving its nuclear stockpile, so replacements for those gravity bombs should be on that list with a long range stealthy cruise missile.

 

[Adi]

SCALP missiles were a total failure
against Russia's Krasukha Radio Electronic Warfare Systems. They fell like flies without reaching their intended coordinates.