Europe's Emerging Cruise Missile Capabilities: A New Generation of Indigenous Weapons
Summary
For many years, European nations relied heavily on American-supplied cruise missiles, but have gradually developed their own sophisticated alternatives with varying degrees of success. Notable developments include the German Taurus KEPD 350, a highly capable 1.4-ton air-launched missile with a 500-kilometer range, bunker-busting capabilities, and a jam-proof guidance system, with over 1,200 units produced and exported to Spain and South Korea. The Anglo-French Storm Shadow/Scalp missile has proven particularly successful, with over 4,000 units built and deployed by at least nine countries including Ukraine, featuring a 550-kilometer range and terrain-following guidance technology. France has further expanded its cruise missile portfolio with the naval Missile de Croisière Navale, available in submarine and frigate variants with ranges up to 1,400 kilometers. Norway has also entered the field with the air-launched Joint Strike Missile (JSM), a compact 416-kilogram weapon with a 555-kilometer range derived from the proven Naval Strike Missile platform.
Key Takeaways
- 1. Early European cruise missile efforts such as France's Apache runway-destruction missile were largely unsuccessful due to limited range and insufficient effectiveness against targets
- 2. Germany's Taurus KEPD 350 represents one of Europe's most capable cruise missiles, featuring unjammable guidance and precision bunker-penetrating warhead technology
- 3. The Anglo-French Storm Shadow/Scalp has become Europe's most widely adopted cruise missile, with production expected to exceed 5,000 units across multiple international operators
- 4. France has extended its cruise missile capabilities into the naval domain with the MdCN, providing both frigate and submarine-launched long-range strike options
- 5. Norway's JSM demonstrates that smaller European nations can develop competitive cruise missile technology, successfully adapting naval strike missiles for air-launched applications