**Location and Context:**
On October 10, 2023, at the Euronaval conference in Paris, pan-European missile manufacturer MBDA presented an aggressive development schedule for its FC/ASW (Future Cruise and Anti-Ship Weapon) missile program.
**Missile Development Details:**
MBDA is finalizing the assessment phase of the FC/ASW program, which aims to create two complementary missiles: a stealthy subsonic missile and a high supersonic missile that is maneuverable. Italy will join the project for the development and manufacturing phases in 2025.
**Strategic Importance:**
The company emphasized the critical need for deep-strike capabilities in Europe, driven by the return of high-intensity conflict and improved air defense systems. The strategic importance is underscored by the aggressive timelines set by the launch partners, France and the U.K.
**Project Scale and Workforce:**
MBDA has allocated over 750 personnel across France and the U.K. for the FC/ASW project, making it the company’s largest endeavor. Successful testing of various missile components has already been conducted, with promising results.
**Funding and Parliamentary Assurance:**
Investment in the FC/ASW missile program continues under an assessment-phase contract, confirmed by U.K. Minister for Defence Procurement Maria Eagle in September.
**Technological Advancements:**
The missiles in the FC/ASW program will be capable of both ship and air launches. The company claims this program is the most technologically advanced deep-strike initiative under development.
**Testing Progress:**
MBDA has completed extensive testing of the ultra-low observable missile’s radio-frequency signature and wind-tunnel testing for the ramjet propulsion system of the supersonic missile at its Bourges facility in France.
**Missile Capabilities:**
The attack missiles will serve dual purposes: ground strikes and anti-ship warfare. The supersonic missile will focus primarily on anti-ship missions, while the stealth missile will target ground attacks.
**Export Initiatives:**
MBDA is marketing its Naval Cruise Missile for export, with interest from Italy regarding integration into updates on the FREMM frigate. This missile has primarily supported the French Navy till now.
**Land Cruise Missile Offering:**
A ground-launched version of the naval missile, called the Land Cruise Missile, was presented at the Eurosatory show and may serve as an immediate solution for the European Long Range Strike Approach.
**ITAR-Free Solutions:**
The company emphasizes that both the naval and land cruise missiles are sovereign solutions, not subject to the U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).
**Additional Developments:**
MBDA revealed a longer-range variant of the Exocet anti-ship missile for submarines, claiming to be the only European entity providing a sovereign submarine capability. Furthermore, an upgraded version of the TESEO anti-ship missile was tested by the Italian Navy, set for qualification next year.
**Author’s Background:**
The article is reported by Rudy Ruitenberg, a Europe correspondent for Defense News with a prior background at Bloomberg News, covering technology, commodity markets, and politics.
