The test included an approximately 20-minute piloted cruise flight and validated the missile’s range. MBDA said the result confirmed the overall design of the new-generation system and paved the way for a swift conclusion of its development phase.
The firing was the latest milestone in a multi-year qualification programme. An earlier trial in 2024 validated the design of the missile’s new components and its aerodynamics.
Italy’s National Directorate of Naval Armaments awarded MBDA the development, integration and qualification contract in 2021. A separate production contract was signed in 2025, allowing manufacturing to begin after development is completed.
The TESEO MK2/E is the latest version of the TESEO anti-ship missile family, which is marketed internationally under the OTOMAT name. The programme is intended to give the Italian Navy longer-range engagement options against targets at sea and on land.
MBDA developed the missile in close cooperation with the Italian Navy for deployment across several classes of warship. It is planned for the PPA multi-purpose combat ships, future DDX destroyers, FREMM-class frigates and Horizon-class destroyers.
The weapon will also be integrated aboard Italy’s future FREMM EVO frigates. MBDA said the system could be adapted to meet the operational requirements of international customers.
The TESEO MK2/E features a new active electronically scanned antenna radio-frequency seeker and shorter reaction times. Its mission-planning system also supports in-flight missile control through a satellite data link.
Those capabilities are designed to support strikes against maritime and land targets at longer ranges than previous-generation systems. MBDA said the additional range would allow launching vessels and their crews to operate at safer distances.
“I am extremely proud of this result, which will guarantee a unique sovereign capability to Italy and the Italian Navy and will pave the way for further international success for MBDA, thanks to the system’s cutting-edge anti-ship performances,” said Renzo Tosini, executive vice-president for sales and business development and managing director of MBDA Italia. “The success of this firing once again demonstrates that working in total synergy with the customer is fundamental to achieving even more ambitious results.”
“My deepest appreciation and thanks go to our colleagues whose passion and determination made this great achievement possible,” Tosini said. MBDA said the TESEO MK2/E would complement its existing anti-ship missile portfolio and form part of future naval defence systems.
