DSEI 2025: MBDA reveals finalised FC/ASW low-observable missile design as programme advances
An updated image render of the supersonic (left) and low-observable (right) FC/ASW missiles. (Image: MBDA)
The updated stealth airframe model will be displayed for the first time at DSEI 2025 to showcase the maturity of the technologies and system ahead of its launch into the development phase, MBDA said.
MBDA has revealed the finalised shape and model of its TP15 ultra-low observable cruise missile at DSEI 2025 as the Future Cruise/Anti-Ship Weapon (FC/ASW) programme successfully concluded its assessment phase.
Responding to the need to develop the next generation of deep strike capabilities, the FC/ASW programme was first launched in 2017. As noted on Shephard Defence Insight, the TP15 is designed to engage both land and maritime targets, emphasising stealth to penetrate advanced air defence systems.
It concluded its concept phase in 2022 and since then successful trials have been completed on prototype missiles, including extensive radio-frequency (RF) signature testing and trials of their advanced seekers, warheads and fuzing systems.
Described as “one programme, two missiles” – the TP15 and the RJ10 (Ramjet 10) – the FC/ASW programme will see both the high-speed supersonic and low observable long-range precision cruise missiles delivered to customers. Both missiles are designed to be multi-platform, launched from surface or air platforms, with a route towards ground-launched capabilities planned in the future.
Building on announcements made in November 2024 that the first low-observable prototype had gone through testing, the real shape of the low-observable cruise missile was unveiled to reflect the “maturity of the programme”, the MBDA spokesperson added.
No further comment was made on when the missiles would formally enter the development and manufacturing phase other than MBDA stating the programme was progressing to timeline. The date for both missiles to enter service remains targeted for the early 2030s.
In July 2025, the UK and France signed the Lancaster House 2.0 agreement which entailed a commitment between the two countries to launch the development phase of the FC/ASW programme.
Both the supersonic and subsonic missiles are designed to be interoperable “with each other and other missile systems”, the spokesperson explained. “At the subsystem and technology level, there is some commonality between both systems”, they said, referring to them as a “complementary pair of missiles”.
Future air launch platform examples for both the supersonic and subsonic variant include the Eurofighter Typhoon and the Rafale fighter jet.
Efforts to see Italy join the FC/ASW programme alongside the UK and France were also “progressing at pace” according to the MBDA spokesperson, with Italy reportedly interested in both missiles.
Shephard’s DSEI 2025 coverage is sponsored by:
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from DSEI 2025
-
![DSEI 2025: MBDA introduces NLOS Akeron 120 MBT missile]()
DSEI 2025: MBDA introduces NLOS Akeron 120 MBT missile
The no-line-of-sight (NLOS) missile is MBDA’s latest ammunition offering for main battle tanks (MBTs), with the company foreseeing an entry to market date window for Akeron within the next two years.
-
![DSEI 2025: MBDA’s new SPEAR GLIDE munition breaks cover]()
DSEI 2025: MBDA’s new SPEAR GLIDE munition breaks cover
The high-mass saturation weapon, positioned as a low-cost variant in the SPEAR portfolio, could be indigenously produced by any future customer, according to MBDA.
-
![DSEI 2025: Teledyne takes wraps off autonomous launch recovery box for drones]()
DSEI 2025: Teledyne takes wraps off autonomous launch recovery box for drones
Teledyne FLIR Defense revealed the SkyPad fully autonomous quadcopter launch and recovery box at AUSA in Washington DC last year. The SkyCarrier is the production version of the system and is designed for the launch and recovery of the company’s SkyRaider and SkyRanger uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs).
-
![How the MQ-9B's interoperability is driving future market success]()
How the MQ-9B's interoperability is driving future market success
With numerous nations, including the UK, committing a combined US$9.99 billion to acquiring the MQ-9B MALE UAV according to Shephard Defence Insight data, the capability now looks set to soar as UAV spending rises globally.
-
![DSEI 2025: Versatile 8×8 vehicles taste success as new versions rolled out]()
DSEI 2025: Versatile 8×8 vehicles taste success as new versions rolled out
From protected mobility, infantry fighting and reconnaissance to armoured personnel carrier, armoured vehicles and amphibious assault, the 8×8 vehicle is a jack-of-all-trades. In theory, it allows a single vehicle type to fulfil varied roles while providing commonality, and the European market and vehicle types are growing rapidly.
