“MBDA Naval Cruise Missiles Achieve Historic Simultaneous Firing Success”

The French Navy (Marine nationale) has adeptly launched MBDA’s Naval Cruise Missiles (NCM, or Missile de Croisière Naval (MdCN)) concurrently from both the versatile frigate Aquitaine (FREMM ASM) and a nuclear-powered submarine (Suffren class), with the munitions hitting the identical target simultaneously with remarkable precision during training operations on the 18th of April 2024.

This dual launch was executed with the technical assistance of the French General Directorate of Armament (DGA).

Eric Béranger, CEO of MBDA, stated: “Kudos to the officers, non-commissioned officers, and sailors of the French Navy involved in this pioneering synchronized launch of NCMs from both a multi-mission frigate and a nuclear attack submarine. This achievement, a first of its nature, highlights the capabilities provided by NCM in the current landscape of strategic rivalry and high-intensity combat, as well as the exceptional proficiency of the French Navy to conduct a sophisticated assault from the ocean. The dual launch clearly exemplifies the collaboration for excellence among MBDA’s team of specialists, the French Navy, and the DGA to ensure operational readiness.”

NCM provides the capability to engage a diverse array of targets with exceptional terminal precision at extensive stand-off distances. It is the sole European long-range naval cruise missile capable of being launched from both submerged submarines and surface combatants, regardless of day or night and under any weather conditions.

Originating from battle-tested air-launched Storm Shadow/SCALP long-range deep-strike munitions, NCM includes specific enhancements such as extended range, state-of-the-art GNSS functionalities, highly accurate time-on-target (TOT) attributes, and a radar cross-section (RCS) reduction design. NCM ensures unparalleled penetration into hostile zones with high survivability, securing mission success.

With NCM and MBDA’s manufacturing capabilities, France is part of an elite group of nations capable of launching cruise missiles from, and beneath, the ocean’s surface.

MBDA is continuously enhancing the abilities of NCM to maintain its standing as a leader in deep-strike technology, while also integrating it onto additional platforms. MBDA is proactively involved in several international export initiatives for NCM, providing its clients with an exceptional cruise missile for the forthcoming decades.