India, France Near SCALP Missile Deal After Operational Success

India and France are in advanced discussions to finalise a major defence deal for the procurement of SCALP cruise missiles, following their successful combat deployment by the Indian Air Force during Operation Sindoor. Defence officials indicated that the proposed acquisition, valued at around €300 million, reflects growing confidence in the missile’s operational effectiveness and the deepening strategic partnership between the two countries.

SCALP Missile Performance in Operation Sindoor

The SCALP cruise missiles were deployed by Rafale fighter jets of the Indian Air Force during precision strikes against terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan last year. Alongside BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, SCALP was used to target and destroy key headquarters of Jaish-e-Mohamed and Lashkar-e-Toiba in Muridke and Bahawalpur districts. According to officials, the strikes achieved complete destruction of designated targets with high accuracy, validating the missile’s deep-strike and low-observability capabilities.

Follow-Up Strikes on Pakistan Air Force Bases

After the initial strikes conducted on the night of May 6–7, the Indian Air Force again employed cruise missiles extensively against Pakistan Air Force bases. In these follow-on operations, 12 major PAF air bases were hit, resulting in the destruction of several high-value assets, including fighter aircraft and airborne surveillance platforms stationed on the ground. These operations marked one of the most extensive uses of air-launched cruise missiles by the IAF in a live conflict scenario.

Rafale Weapons Package and Future Acquisitions

The SCALP missile forms a critical element of the Rafale weapons package, and the Indian Air Force plans to continue its integration across the Rafale fleet. In parallel, the Air Force is also moving ahead with a substantial order for Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles to enhance air dominance capabilities. These missiles will also be integrated into the 26 Rafale Marine aircraft ordered for the Indian Navy, which are expected to be inducted over the next three to four years.

Important Facts for Exams

• SCALP is an air-launched, long-range cruise missile integrated with Rafale aircraft.
• Operation Sindoor involved precision strikes using SCALP and BrahMos missiles.
• Meteor is a beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile for the Rafale platform.
• Defence acquisitions are approved by the Defence Acquisition Council.

Rafale Set to Become IAF Backbone

In view of the Rafale’s performance during Operation Sindoor and the evolving regional security environment, the Indian Air Force is preparing a proposal to acquire an additional 114 Rafale combat aircraft. The proposal is expected to be placed before the Defence Acquisition Council shortly. With these planned inductions, the Rafale fleet is projected to grow to nearly 200 aircraft over the next 10 to 15 years, positioning it as the backbone of India’s air combat capability.