ELSA (European Long-Range Strike Approach)
Type: Ballistic Missile (ICBM)
Domain: air
Country of Origin: France / UK / Italy / Germany
Manufacturer: MBDA
Overview
European collaborative programme to develop a very long-range, hypersonic or high-speed conventional deep strike missile to succeed the SCALP-EG/Storm Shadow in the 2035+ timeframe. Intended to penetrate advanced integrated air defense systems through a combination of speed (potentially Mach 5+), extreme manoeuvrability, low observability, and electronic countermeasures. Multiple propulsion concepts under study including scramjet and combined-cycle engines. Will be designed for launch from multiple platforms: aircraft (Rafale, FCAS), surface ships, and submarines. A multinational effort led by France with participation from multiple European nations. Concept studies ongoing with technology maturation expected through the late 2020s.
Technical Specifications
| note | European autonomous long-range strike capability under ITAR-free development to replace Storm Shadow/SCALP dependency |
|---|---|
| type | Joint strike weapon concept |
| status | Under development/definition |
| partners | France UK Germany Italy |
| range_km | 2000 |
Operators
- France
- Germany
- Italy
- United Kingdom
Related air Weapon Systems
- JF-17 Thunder - Multirole Fighter (Pakistan)
- F-16 Viper Block 70/72 - Multirole Fighter (United States)
- Skydagger RTF 7" - FPV Drone (Türkiye)
- EDGE Reach-S MALE UCAV - Combat UAV (UCAV) (UAE)
- F-15IDN - Multirole Fighter (United States)
- Cessna 208B Grand Caravan ISR - Reconnaissance Aircraft (United States)
- MQ-9B SeaGuardian - Combat UAV (UCAV) (United States)
- AS332 Super Puma - Attack Helicopter (France)
- Toufan / Saba / Shahed-285 Helicopter Family - Attack Helicopter (Iran)
- J-20B Mighty Dragon - Multirole Fighter (China)