French MdCN missile: Europe's longest-range weapon yet not heading to Ukraine
The French MdCN missile, with a range of over 620 miles, surpasses other European cruise missiles such as the Taurus or Storm Shadow, notes the Ukrainian portal Defense Express. However, there are currently no plans to transfer this weapon to Ukraine.
With the lifting of restrictions by Germany, the United Kingdom, France, and the USA on attacks within Russia, attention has shifted to the range of Western missiles. The MdCN, a French cruise missile, is notable for its range exceeding 620 miles, making it Europe's longest-range weapon.
MdCN is the leader in Europe with the greatest range
The MdCN, also known as the SCALP Naval, is a naval missile that can be launched from universal A70 Sylver launchers. Its range and precision make it a key element of the French arsenal, though there are currently no plans to transfer it to Ukraine.
Missiles like the Storm Shadow or SCALP have a nominal range of 348 miles, and their effectiveness depends on detailed digital maps and complex flight paths. The MdCN surpasses them by offering significantly greater range and enhanced capabilities.
Although France possesses around 200 MdCN missiles, transferring them to Ukraine would require the development of a land-based launch system. Such a step could significantly enhance Ukraine's strike capabilities.
The European ELSA program, which aims to develop land-based cruise missiles potentially based on the MdCN, is experiencing delays. However, tests and interim solutions are already underway, which could speed up future decisions regarding technology transfer.
If Europe decides to ramp up production and transfer the MdCN to Ukraine, it could open up new possibilities for deep strikes. However, as noted by Defense Express, there is currently no official information about such plans.
