Breaking barriers: synchronized missile tests heralds a new era in European defence capabilities

By Mario Blokken

France's recent demonstration of synchronized naval cruise missile launches marks a significant milestone in enhancing European naval capabilities. Conducted from both a surface ship and a submarine, this coordinated test showcases a formidable land-attack capability, potentially challenging adversary air defences in high-intensity scenarios.

 

The successful firing of Missile de Croisière Naval (MdCN) from the French frigate Aquitaine and a Suffren-class nuclear-powered attack submarine exemplifies the effectiveness of cross-platform coordination. Such synchronized strikes from multiple locations pose a complex challenge for adversaries, complicating their air defence strategies.

 

 

Analysts highlight the strategic implications of this synchronized missile capability, emphasizing its potential to saturate defence systems and increase the likelihood of successful target hits. This development not only enhances France’s naval prowess but also sets a precedent for other European nations to bolster their defence capabilities through similar initiatives.

The MdCN, developed by pan-European missile maker MBDA, offers France a versatile and long-range land-attack capability akin to the U.S.-made Tomahawk missile. With a speed of around 1,000 kilometers per hour and a range of about 1,000 kilometers, the MdCN provides a formidable tool for influencing adversaries’ actions from the outset of a crisis.

 

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As European navies explore opportunities to enhance their land-attack capabilities, France’s successful test firing serves as a catalyst for further advancements in naval technology and strategy. With ongoing collaboration and joint exercises planned with allies like the U.S. and U.K., the trajectory for European defence capabilities appears increasingly dynamic and robust.

 

About the author:

Mario Blokken is Director of the Permanent Secretariat of the Finabel – European Army Interoperability Centre.

 

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