Key facts
- Ukraine is in negotiations with France for licenses to produce SCALP missiles.
- Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov confirmed progress in these discussions.
- The talks involve intellectual property and bureaucratic processes.
- President Zelensky and President Macron previously discussed the possibility of SCALP licenses.
- Ukraine has already received SCALP/Storm Shadow missiles from France and the UK.
Ukraine is actively pursuing agreements with France to obtain licenses for the domestic production of SCALP cruise missiles, a significant step in bolstering its long-range strike capabilities. Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov announced that "progress" is being made in these negotiations, which he described as "unprecedented" following discussions at the recent G7 summit. The talks, which are ongoing with both the French government and the relevant company, are navigating complex issues related to intellectual property and bureaucratic procedures.
Fedorov indicated that the discussions concerning SCALP missiles have moved into a more detailed phase. He noted that while it is too early to announce specific outcomes, the very initiation of such conversations and the G7's acknowledgment of the possibility of Ukraine producing Western weapons represent crucial first steps. President Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron had previously discussed the matter during Zelensky's visit to France.
Ukraine has already been utilizing SCALP and British Storm Shadow missiles, which are equivalent in capability and have a range of up to 250 kilometers, in strikes against targets within Russia and occupied Crimea. President Zelensky has previously advocated for Ukraine to gain licenses for producing Western weaponry, including U.S.-made Patriot air defense systems, though such permissions have not yet been granted for those systems.