The RAF began the search for a new stand-off weapon after the losses incurred attacking airfields with
JP.233 during the 1991 Iraq war.Staff requirement SR(A) 1236 was drawn up for a Conventional Air-launched Stand-Off Missile, CASOM. This evolved into SCALP, a BAe / Matra development based on work done for ????. The name Stormshadow was adopted for the RAF version that was to be fitted with the BROACH warhead for attacking bunkers and hardened aircraft shelters. In UAE service the weapon is known as Black Shaheen.
Stormshadow was released for use in time for the 2003 Iraq war and was used with success to attack hardened targets in Baghdad. Stormshadow is launched from Tornadoes and can be fitted to the Typhoon.
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