UK Storm Shadow SPEAR Cap 4 MLR nears completion

An upgraded Storm Shadow SPEAR Cap 4 long-range deep-strike weapon engages a target during operational evaluation trials at the US Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, California, in mid-2021. (UK Ministry of Defence)

European missile house MBDA is expected to complete the final elements of the Storm Shadow SPEAR Capability 4 (Selective Precision Effects At Range Capability 4) missile regeneration later this year.

SPEAR Capability 4 is the Mid-Life Refurbishment (MLR) project for the UK's MBDA-developed Storm Shadow air-launched low-observable long-range conventionally armed deep-strike weapon stockpile. Storm Shadow is the UK designator for the weapon system; in French service, the missile is designated SCALP EG (Système de Croisière Autonome à Longue Portée – Emploi Général).

Refurbishment of the missile is being executed under the provisions of a joint contract placed on MBDA by the UK and French ministries of defence for MLR of their respective Storm Shadow/SCALP EG weapons in February 2017. The UK segment of the contract, valued at GBP146 million (USD198 million), was approved in October 2016, and the French segment (value not disclosed) in December 2016.