The Scalp missile is a long-range, air-launched cruise missile that can hit targets far away from the aircraft that launches it. It is designed to strike important and well-protected targets, even in bad weather conditions. This missile is known for its ability to fly at very low altitudes, making it difficult for enemy radar systems to detect it. Its precision guidance system ensures a high probability of hitting the intended target accurately.

This topic, "Scalp Missile," is highly relevant for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examinations. It primarily falls under the General Studies Paper III, which includes subjects like Science and Technology, Defence and Security, and Current Events of National and International Importance.

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Why is the Scalp Missile in News?

The Scalp missile has been in the news recently due to its reported use by the Indian Air Force in Operation Sindoor, a counter-terrorism operation carried out against terrorist infrastructure inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. This operation was a response to a deadly attack on Indian tourists in Pahalgam. News reports indicate that Rafale fighter jets of the IAF were deployed to launch Scalp missiles for deep strike missions, alongside other precision-guided munitions like HAMMER missiles.

A Scalp missile is essentially a sophisticated type of bomb that an aircraft can launch to hit targets that are very far away. Unlike regular bombs that simply fall after being dropped, a Scalp missile has its own engine and wings, allowing it to fly a long distance to its target. It's like a pilotless plane that carries explosives.

These missiles are designed to attack important targets like command centers, airfields, and bridges that are located deep within enemy territory. Because they can fly at a very low height, they can often sneak under the radar systems that enemies use to detect incoming threats. This makes them very effective in surprise attacks.

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Key Features of Scalp Missiles

Scalp missiles have several important features that make them stand out:

• Long Range: One of the most significant features is their ability to travel very long distances, often hundreds of kilometers, after being launched from an aircraft. This allows the launching aircraft to stay far away from the danger zone and still strike targets deep inside enemy territory.
• Low Altitude Flight: These missiles are designed to fly extremely close to the ground. This low-level flight makes it harder for enemy radar systems to detect them because the curvature of the Earth and ground clutter can hide the missile. It’s like trying to spot a small bird flying just above the trees.
• High Precision: Scalp missiles are equipped with advanced guidance systems. These systems often use a combination of GPS (Global Positioning System), inertial navigation (which uses sensors to track movement), and sometimes even a camera that compares the terrain below with pre-loaded maps to ensure it stays on course and hits the exact target. This makes them very accurate.
• All-Weather Capability: They are made to work well in any weather, such as rain, fog, and extreme temperatures. This means that they can be put to use whenever and wherever needed, even in bad weather.
• Hard Target Penetration: Some versions of the Scalp missile are designed to penetrate heavily fortified targets, like bunkers or reinforced buildings. They have a warhead that can dig through layers of protection before exploding.
• Stealth Features: While not a pure stealth missile like some specialized aircraft, the Scalp missile incorporates some design elements and flight profiles that make it less detectable by radar compared to conventional aircraft or high-flying missiles.

Specifications of Scalp Missiles

The exact specifications of Scalp missiles can vary slightly depending on the version, but some general characteristics include:

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Working of Scalp Cruise Missiles

Scalp cruise missiles work through a combination of advanced technologies that allow them to fly long distances and hit targets with high accuracy. Here’s a simplified breakdown of their operation:

• Launch: The missile is first attached to a compatible aircraft, like a Rafale. When the pilot decides to attack a target, the missile is launched from the aircraft. It has its own initial boost system to get it away from the plane safely.
• Powered Flight: Once launched, the missile’s own small jet engine starts. This engine provides the thrust needed for it to fly towards its target. The wings and control surfaces (like small fins) help it to stay stable and maneuver in the air.
• Navigation: This is where the "smart brain" of the missile comes into play. It uses a sophisticated Inertial Navigation System (INS) which has sensors that detect any movement of the missile. This system keeps track of the missile's position and direction from the moment it is launched. It's like having an internal compass and speedometer.
• GPS Guidance: To further improve accuracy, the missile also uses the Global Positioning System (GPS). By receiving signals from satellites, it can pinpoint its exact location in the sky and make corrections to its flight path if it starts to drift off course.
• Terrain Following: To fly at a very low altitude and avoid radar detection, the missile often uses a technique called terrain following. It has a radar altimeter that constantly measures its height above the ground. The missile then adjusts its flight path to stay at a pre-set low altitude, following the contours of the land.
• Target Acquisition: As the missile gets closer to the target, some versions use an Imaging Infrared (IIR) seeker. This is like a heat-seeking camera in the nose of the missile. It looks for the heat signature of the target and locks onto it, making final adjustments to ensure a direct hit. Some versions might also use radar or other sensors for this final stage.
• Impact: Finally, the missile reaches its target and the warhead explodes, causing significant damage. The high precision of the guidance systems ensures that the explosion happens exactly where it is intended.

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The exact cost of a Scalp cruise missile is difficult to pinpoint precisely as it can vary depending on the specific variant, the quantity purchased, and the terms of the procurement contract. However, it is generally understood to be a high-value, expensive piece of military hardware.

Cruise missiles like the Scalp are technologically advanced, incorporating complex navigation, guidance, and stealth features, as well as a powerful engine and a substantial warhead. These factors contribute to their high cost of production.

Estimates from various defence analyses and reports suggest that a single Scalp missile could cost anywhere from $800,000 to $1.5 million USD or even more. This places them in the category of premium precision-guided munitions.

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List of Countries Currently Using the Rafale Scalp Missile

The Scalp missile is primarily integrated with and used by nations that operate the Dassault Rafale fighter aircraft. The main countries known to be using the Rafale with the Scalp missile capability include:

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