European missile manufacturer MBDA has denied that the UK and France have confirmed the start of preparatory works for the Future Cruise/Anti-Ship Weapon (FC/ASW) programme. upon the signing on 18 February of a governmental agreement and related contracts of French Direction (French Direction générale de l’armement) and British Defense Equipment & Support (DE&S).
Eric Beranger, CEO of MBDA said: “The FC/ASW program is an example of the value of the ‘One MBDA’ integrated model. By combining technology, industrial capabilities and cross-border funding, we are able to deliver cutting-edge and unique sovereign capabilities. Following the conclusion of the FC/ASW Concept Phase, the confirmation of the launch of these preparatory works demonstrates our two countries’ renewed confidence in MBDA. The project will take advantage of our maintained France/UK Centers of Excellence. Consolidating this MBDA portfolio of anti-ship and deep attack systems will enable MBDA to provide our armed forces, whose satisfaction is our priority, a first-class solution. tailored to their requirements and adapted to all current or future operational needs. ”
These preparations will focus on the synchronous development of a program of next-generation deep attack and heavy anti-ship weapons. It will evaluate two additional rocket concepts, which are expected to enter service later this decade: one that can be observed at subsonic lows, and one that is hypersonic, capable of high control.
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These concepts are intended to meet French and British requirements and will provide game-changing capabilities to overcome land and sea threats, fortified targets and air defenses, in very long distances and in an increasingly contested space environment.
As the company notes, FC/ASW will complement MBDA’s existing portfolio of products that continue to be developed to adapt to new threats.
