MBDA unveils major advances in Future Cruise/Anti-Ship Weapon (FC/ASW) programme

By Defence Industry Europe

At Euronaval 2024, European missile manufacturer MBDA unveiled significant advancements in the Future Cruise/Anti-ship Weapon (FC/ASW) programme, aimed at securing a sovereign deep-strike capability for Europe for years to come. The FC/ASW project has achieved critical milestones in its Assessment Phase, demonstrating key missile technologies, with further testing scheduled before the year’s end to set the stage for the programme’s next phase.

 

MBDA emphasises the importance of deep-strike capabilities for European security, especially in the face of high-intensity conflict and increased air-defence systems on modern battlefields. “Today’s context has seen both the return of high-intensity conflict to Europe and demonstrated the increased density of air defence systems,” MBDA stated, underlining the importance of advanced defence resources that incorporate disruptive technologies.

The FC/ASW project, supported by the UK and France, operates on an ambitious timeline, with over 750 experts from both nations committed to delivering two complementary missiles with distinct features: an ultra-low observable subsonic missile and a highly manoeuvrable supersonic missile. “MBDA is leveraging the full strength of its co-operative multi-national DNA to shape the future of sovereign deep strike capabilities,” the company added, pointing to the collaboration essential for maintaining European defence sovereignty.

 

 

In a significant development, Italy has joined the FC/ASW initiative, contributing to a tri-national framework that will enhance European deep-strike capability. This trilateral partnership underscores MBDA’s model of pooling expertise and resources from multiple nations to deliver sovereign defence solutions, an approach the company has championed since its inception over two decades ago.

The project has already achieved several technical breakthroughs, including RF-signature testing on the prototype ultra-low observable missile and successful supersonic wind-tunnel tests on the supersonic missile’s propulsion system. “Test results have been highly impressive, displaying MBDA’s position at the forefront of world missile technologies,” MBDA announced, highlighting the programme’s technological strides.

Additionally, the programme has completed trials on advanced seekers, warheads, fuzing systems, aerodynamic performance, and other critical components. These successes reflect MBDA’s rapid progress and commitment to delivering the next generation of European defence technologies. As the project advances, MBDA plans to integrate Italy fully into the programme and initiate the tri-nation demonstration and manufacturing phases, ensuring that European military forces gain access to this essential deep-strike capability at the earliest opportunity.

 

Source: MBDA.

 

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