France to send Ukraine new batch of SCALP and Mistral missiles

Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu authorized a new package of long-range and air defense missiles for Ukraine.

Nov 10, 2024 - 10:00

France to send Ukraine new batch of SCALP and Mistral missiles

France is expanding its military support for Ukraine with a fresh delivery of SCALP cruise missiles and Mistral air defense systems, part of Paris’s ongoing commitment to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities against Russian aggression.

The announcement comes as Ukraine grapples with critical menpower and ammunition shortages and intensifying Russian attacks in the east, where Moscow’s forces are making slow but steady advances in Donetsk Oblast despite heavy losses.

“We are preparing to supply more Mistral missiles, particularly for combat zone protection. Additionally, in recent days, I authorized the transfer of another ten SCALP missiles to enable Ukraine to conduct deep strikes, as promised to President Zelenskyy,” Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu told Le Journal du Dimanche.

The minister confirmed that France will continue its military training program in Grand-Est, where 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers are training with French brigades using French equipment.

SCALP-EG missiles, known as Storm Shadow in British service, can strike targets up to 250 kilometers away, allowing Ukraine to hit strategic assets like command centers and ammunition depots behind enemy lines. However, Western allies restrict Ukraine from using these weapons to strike Russian territory, as they contain US components.

Lecornu emphasized that France’s support must remain sustainable, noting that military assistance must continue even after the war ends.

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