The UK and France have solidified their defense partnership with new orders for MBDA Storm Shadow air-launched cruise missiles, advanced plans for the weapon’s replacement, and an unprecedented pledge to jointly coordinate their independent nuclear deterrents.
Refreshed Lancaster House Pact: Missile Acquisitions and Nuclear Coordination
The Storm Shadow acquisitions and replacement plans are part of a „refreshed” Lancaster House defense pact, with a separate accord covering reshaped nuclear relations, according to the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD).
Storm Shadow Replacement: FC/ASW Program Advances
While the MoD did not disclose the number of missiles ordered, it confirmed a commitment to „launch the next phase of their joint project for both deep strike and anti-ship missiles,” moving closer to selecting a final design for Storm Shadow’s replacement. This likely refers to the Anglo-French Future Cruise/Anti-Ship Weapons (FC/ASW) program, led by MBDA, which is developing a low observable cruise missile and a highly maneuverable supersonic munition to replace Storm Shadow (SCALP in French service) and other anti-ship missiles. Italy is also expected to join the FC/ASW project this year.
SCALP Production to Resume: Demonstrated Effectiveness in Ukraine
French Defense Minister Sebastian Lecornu announced that SCALP production „will resume in 2025, 15 years after our last order,” emphasizing the weapon’s effectiveness in modern high-intensity combat, as demonstrated in Ukraine.
Stepping Up Defense Cooperation: A New Stage for Anglo-French Ties
French President Emmanuel Macron, ahead of the Lancaster House agreement update, stated that the Anglo-French summit would „enter a new stage that will scale up” defense cooperation, with both countries vowing to „fully shoulder the responsibility when it comes to European security.” Macron also emphasized the need to advance bilateral industrial cooperation.
Nuclear Deterrent Coordination: A Joint Declaration
France and the UK, Europe’s only nuclear powers, signed a declaration stating that „the respective deterrents of both countries are independent but can be co-ordinated and that there is no extreme threat to Europe that would not prompt a response by both nations.”
Expanding Nuclear Capabilities: Air and Sea Deterrents
France operates a two-leg air and sea nuclear deterrent (force de dissuasion), while the UK plans to mirror this capability with the acquisition of Lockheed Martin F-35A fighter jets equipped with B61-12 thermonuclear gravity bombs. This air-launched capability will complement Britain’s existing Continuous At Sea Deterrent (CASD) provided by Royal Navy submarines.
Open to Nuclear Sharing: Macron’s Offer to Europe
In March, President Macron expressed openness to extending France’s nuclear umbrella to European nations. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has also called for discussions with France and the UK regarding Berlin’s potential inclusion in nuclear sharing arrangements.
