Triumph for the Anglo-French FC/ASW Missile Initiative: Key Milestone Achieved!
MBDA Achieves Key Milestone in FC/ASW Program
After two years of dedicated work on the FC/ASW (Future Cruise/Anti-Ship Weapon) Concept Phase, MBDA is thrilled to announce a major milestone: the successful completion of its “Key Review.” This review was collaboratively conducted with Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) and the Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA), the armament procurement agencies of the UK and France.
This pivotal Key Review enables the selection of the most promising missile concepts that align with the operational needs of both nations’ armed forces. Subsequently, extensive studies will delve deeper into these concepts to pinpoint the most effective solutions by the end of the concept phase in 2020. The focus will be on addressing critical missions such as long-range anti-ship engagements, suppression of enemy air defenses, and deep strike capabilities.
The findings from this study are expected to lay out detailed roadmaps for the advancement of necessary technologies and will initiate any follow-on assessment phases. The upcoming phase aims to demonstrate key components’ maturity to pave the way for the development and production phase targeted for 2024. This timeline is essential for replacing current weapon systems as dictated by operational requirements.
Strategic Objectives of the FC/ASW Program
The FC/ASW program arises from the shared needs expressed by France and the UK for enhanced long-range anti-ship capabilities. These capabilities are crucial to prepare for potential confrontations at sea, ensuring the ability to neutralize sophisticated air defenses while maintaining a deep strike capability for high-value, hardened targets.
The program aims to replace existing systems such as the Storm Shadow/SCALP air-launched cruise missile, Exocet anti-ship missile in France, and Harpoon anti-ship missile in the UK.
Jointly funded by France and the UK, the FC/ASW Concept Phase is a testament to the strong defense collaboration established by the Lancaster House Treaties. With a budget of €100 million, this phase launched in 2017 is set to last three years, distributing both quantity and quality of output evenly between the two nations.
This initiative will enable MBDA to enhance systems and technologies aimed at increasing the survivability, range, and lethality of anti-ship and deep strike missiles capable of being launched from air and naval platforms.
Building on Successful Missile Technologies
The FC/ASW Concept Phase is yet another milestone in the successful bilateral cooperation on missile technologies between the UK and France, facilitated through MBDA. This partnership has already allowed for the development of several world-class missile systems, including Storm Shadow/SCALP, Meteor, and Sea Venom/ANL. The collaboration fosters rationalized development and production efforts through the ‘One MBDA’ initiative, and enhances research and technology alignment between the two nations under the MCM-ITP (Missile Components and Materials – Innovation and Technology Partnership) program.
