Rs 3,200 crore SCALP cruise missile deal on cards as India, France plan defence talks: Report

SCALP cruise missile

• India and France are discussing a €300 million deal for SCALP cruise missiles
• IAF Rafale jets used SCALP missiles in precision strikes on Pakistan
• IAF plans to order more Rafale jets and Meteor missiles for its fleet

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India and France are in discussions to finalise a major deal for the procurement of a significant number of SCALP cruise missiles in the coming days, following their successful use by the Indian Air Force (IAF) in precision strikes against terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan during Operation Sindoor last year, according to report by news agency ANI.

A substantial order for SCALP cruise missiles is being considered by the Indian Air Force, with talks currently underway between the two sides. A decision on the proposed purchase is expected soon, defence officials told ANI.

India and France are eyeing a major €300 million(Rs 3200 crore) deal for the procurement of SCALP cruise missiles, with discussions underway between the two sides, defence officials told news agency ANI.

The SCALP missiles were deployed by Rafale fighter jets of the IAF, alongside BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, to target and destroy terrorist headquarters of Jaish-e-Mohamed and Lashkar-e-Toiba in Pakistan’s Muridke and Bahawalpur districts. The strikes resulted in complete destruction of the identified targets with pinpoint accuracy, officials said.

Following the initial operation on the night of May 6–7, the Indian Air Force again used cruise missiles extensively to hit Pakistan Air Force bases. In these operations, the IAF struck 12 major PAF air bases, destroying several high-value assets, including fighter aircraft and surveillance planes on the ground.

The SCALP cruise missile is a key component of the Rafale weapons package, and the IAF plans to continue using the missile with its Rafale fleet. In parallel, the Air Force is also in the process of ordering a large number of Meteor air-to-air missiles for its Rafale aircraft. These missiles will also be integrated into the 26 Rafale Marine fighters ordered for the Indian Navy, which are expected to be inducted over the next three to four years.

In view of the Rafale’s performance during Operation Sindoor and the evolving threat environment in the region, the Indian Air Force is also preparing to place orders for an additional 114 Rafale combat aircraft. The proposal is likely to be considered by the Defence Acquisition Council in the coming days.

With multiple acquisitions in the pipeline, the Rafale is set to emerge as the backbone of the Indian Air Force, with its total strength projected to reach around 200 aircraft over the next 10 to 15 years.