UK and France Propel Next-Gen Naval Strike Weapon Initiative

The United Kingdom and France have validated the commencement of preparatory activities for the Future Cruise / Anti-Ship Weapon (FC/ASW) initiative, following today’s signing of a governmental agreement and related contracts by the French Direction générale de l’armement (DGA) and British Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S).

Eric Beranger, CEO of MBDA stated: “The FC/ASW initiative exemplifies the advantages of the ‘One MBDA’ integrated model. By merging technology, industrial capabilities, and funding across nations, we are able to provide exceptional and advanced sovereign capabilities. Following the completion of the FC/ASW Concept Phase, the affirmation of these preparatory works signifies the renewed trust our two nations have in MBDA. The project will leverage our enduring French/UK Centres of Excellence. This enhancement of MBDA’s portfolio of deep strike and anti-ship systems will enable MBDA to present our armed forces—a priority for us—with a state-of-the-art solution tailored to their needs and fit for all current or prospective operational demands.”

These preparatory activities will emphasize the synchronized advancement of a next-generation deep strike and heavy anti-ship arsenal. It will evaluate two complementary missile designs expected to be operational by the conclusion of the decade: a subsonic low-observable design and a supersonic, highly agile design. These concepts are intended to fulfill the requirements of France and the UK while delivering transformative capabilities to address land-based and maritime challenges, fortified targets, and air defense systems, over substantial ranges and in increasingly competitive battlefield scenarios.

FC/ASW will enhance MBDA’s current portfolio of products, which continue to evolve to tackle new emerging threats.