UK and France Unite for Future Cruise/Anti-Ship Weapon Programme

In a significant move signaling enhanced defense collaboration, the United Kingdom and France have officially signed an agreement to kick-start the concept phase of the Future Cruise / Anti-Ship Weapon (FC/ASW) programme, partnering with MBDA. The formal agreement was executed by Laurent Collet-Billon, the head of France’s Defence Procurement Agency (DGA), alongside Harriet Baldwin, the UK Minister of Defence Procurement.

Objectives of the FC/ASW Concept Phase

This concept phase, slated to last up to three years, aims to establish foundational requirements and guidelines for potential further assessments and demonstrations of next-generation cruise and anti-ship missiles, with an operational capability anticipated by the end of the next decade.

Investment and Collaboration

With a substantial budget of €100 million, the work on the FC/ASW concept phase will be evenly shared between the UK and France, ensuring a balanced contribution in both quality and quantity. This initiative will enable MBDA to develop advanced systems and technologies, aimed at enhancing the survivability, range, and lethality of anti-ship and deep strike missiles utilized by air and naval combat platforms. The DGA will serve as the principal contract authority for this pivotal phase.

Strengthening Anglo-French Defence Partnership

Funded equally by both nations, the FC/ASW programme underscores the robust Anglo-French defense relationship, as highlighted in the Lancaster House treaties. This new phase marks the continued success of their collaboration on missile technologies through MBDA. Past joint efforts have produced world-class missile systems, including Storm Shadow/SCALP, Meteor, Aster, and Sea Venom/ANL, while streamlining missile development via the ‘OneMBDA’ organization and aligning research initiatives within the missile industrial sector through the MCM-ITP (Missile Components and Materials – Innovation and Technology Partnership) programme.

Statements from Defence Officials

Harriet Baldwin remarked, “Our relationship with France is strong and enduring. We have a long history of cooperation in defense and security with our European ally. As evidenced by having Europe’s largest defense budget, the UK remains committed to European security and will continue to collaborate on joint defense programmes. Today’s agreement will sustain 80 jobs in the UK.”

Laurent Collet-Billon emphasized, “We are launching a significant new phase in our bilateral cooperation, planning for a generation of missiles that will succeed the Exocet, Harpoon, SCALP, and Storm Shadow. The FC/ASW programme aims to deliver a new generation of missiles by around 2030, serving as a strategic asset in both industrial and operational contexts.”

Future Implications for European Defense

Antoine Bouvier, CEO of MBDA, expressed optimism, stating, “This agreement secures the strategic autonomy of France and the UK’s deep strike capabilities for the future. Following the ratification of the Anglo-French agreement last year allowing us to operate OneMBDA centers of excellence, the FC/ASW project marks a new chapter in MBDA’s European strategy. This strategy focuses on closer collaboration with domestic military customers to align their requirements while refining industrial processes across borders, ensuring sustained access to key sovereign technologies.”

Dave Armstrong, Managing Director of MBDA UK, underscored, “FC/ASW is crucial for Europe’s future deep strike capabilities. This programme is strategically significant for MBDA, which will lead a team of industrial champions from both nations, guaranteeing that the UK and France remain at the forefront of missile technology for years to come.”