Pan-European missile manufacturer MBDA is advancing its ambitious cruise and anti-ship missile program, known as FC/ASW, with the assessment phase nearing completion and plans to initiate development in the coming year. This initiative represents one of the company’s most significant projects, featuring the development of two distinct missiles: a stealthy subsonic missile and a high-supersonic missile that retains maneuverability.
During a briefing at the Euronaval conference, MBDA announced that Italy will join the French-British project in 2025, contributing to both the development and manufacturing phases of the program. The urgency behind the FC/ASW project is underscored by the resurgence of high-intensity conflicts in Europe, which has highlighted the necessity for sovereign deep-strike capabilities as well as advanced technologies to counter improved air defense systems.
MBDA has allocated over 750 personnel across France and the U.K. to the FC/ASW project, making it the company’s largest initiative to date, and that figure is likely to increase with Italy’s participation. The company has successfully completed a series of tests for all critical components of the missiles, eliciting strong positive evaluations of the results.
Investment in the FC/ASW program continues under an assessment-phase contract, with U.K. Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry Maria Eagle confirming its status in response to a parliamentary query earlier this month. MBDA asserts that FC/ASW stands as the most technologically sophisticated missile deep-strike initiative currently in development. Once operational, both missiles will be capable of being launched from ships and aircraft, in line with the operational needs of the three participating nations.
The first prototype of the ultra-low observable missile has been manufactured, with extensive testing of its radio-frequency signature already conducted. Additionally, the company has reported completing substantial wind-tunnel tests on the ramjet propulsion system designed for the supersonic missile, characterized by its capacity to operate at high speeds below Mach 5.
Among the missile’s dual missions are ground strike operations to neutralize enemy air defenses and anti-ship warfare. The supersonic missile primarily focuses on engaging ships, with an auxiliary capability for ground strikes, whereas the stealth missile will primarily target land-based threats but will also have anti-ship functions aimed at stationary vessels.
Furthermore, MBDA is actively promoting its Naval Cruise Missile for export markets, drawing interest from Italy for integration on upgraded multipurpose FREMM frigates. Until now, this missile was exclusive to the French Navy, known as Missile de Croisière Naval (McDN), deployed on FREMM frigates and nuclear submarines.
The company has also introduced a land-based variant of the naval missile, dubbed the Land Cruise Missile, which can be mounted on trucks and presents a short-term option for the European Long Range Strike Approach—an initiative involving collaboration among France, Italy, the U.K., Germany, Poland, and Sweden. Interest in the Land Cruise Missile has not only arisen from European nations but also from countries outside the continent, indicating its potential global appeal.
Notably, both the naval and land cruise missiles are designed to be independent, ITAR-free solutions, thus avoiding restrictions imposed by the U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations.
At the conference, MBDA showcased a longer-range variant of its submarine-launched Exocet anti-ship missile, which aims to enhance self-defense options for submarines built by French shipbuilder Naval Group. The firm claims to be the only European entity possessing the capability to provide a sovereign submarine missile solution, which continues to fill a critical gap in European defense capabilities.
In addition, MBDA revealed an upgraded version of the TESEO anti-ship missile currently utilized by Italy. The new TESEO Mk2/E boasts double the effective range and integrates advanced seeker technology, combining active electronically scanned array with electro-optic systems. The missile has successfully undergone test firings by the Italian Navy, with a full qualification expected in the upcoming year.
