France recently conducted a synchronized test firing of naval cruise missiles from a surface ship and a submarine, showcasing a land-attack capability that may be challenging for air defenses to counter. The French frigate Aquitaine and a Suffren-class nuclear-powered attack submarine fired the domestically developed Missile de Croisière Naval (MdCN) simultaneously, hitting a target in southwest France. The synchronized cruise missile strikes aim to saturate adversary defense systems, increasing the likelihood of successful hits in high-intensity scenarios.
This development allows the French Navy to conduct strikes from different platforms in different locations simultaneously, complicating the air-defense challenge for potential opponents. Other European navies, such as the U.K., are also exploring similar capabilities. The MdCN, which entered service in 2017, provides a significant operational advantage but may not be a game-changer in terms of overall capability. Training on joint missile launches and coordinated strikes with allies is ongoing to enhance operational readiness.
The long-range MdCN, powered by Safran’s Microturbo TR 50 engine, offers a speed of around 1,000 kilometers per hour and a range of about 1,000 kilometers. Launching cruise missiles from naval platforms provides a persistent presence at sea and flexibility in military operations. The Netherlands plans to equip its frigates with Tomahawk missiles during maintenance, enhancing their deep-strike capabilities. The use of cruise missiles for land-based attacks is becoming more feasible and impactful in the evolving geopolitical landscape.
