FC/ASW concept phase programme launched

The French DGA and UK Ministry of Defence have launched the joint concept phase of the Future Cruise/Anti-Ship Weapon (FC/ASW) programme with MBDA, with an agreement signed on 28 March in London.

The three-year €100 million concept phase will lay the ground work and inform the UK and France's decision making and requirements for a potential follow on assessment and demonstration phase of the next generation of cruise and anti-ship missiles.

The programme has a planned operational capability goal of the end of the 2020s.

Work will be split between UK and French industry, with MBDA responsible for maturing systems and technologies that will increase the survivability, range and lethality of anti-ship and deep strike missiles launched by both air and naval combat platforms.

The FC/ASW programme is a product of the relationship set out by the Lancaster House treaties, with the aim of rationalising the development and production of missiles through the 'OneMBDA' organisation; and harmonising the research and technology efforts of both nations through the Missile Components and Materials – Innovation and Technology Partnership programme.

Dave Armstrong, managing director of MBDA UK and group director of sales and business development, said: 'FC/ASW represents the future of deep strike capability in Europe. The programme is of strategic importance to MBDA, who will lead a team gathering industrial champions from both nations, and will ensure that the UK and France remain at the cutting edge of missile technologies well into the future.'