How far will the US Navy’s FF(X) design deviate from the Legend-class?
The new frigate class’s focus on modularity, speed to build and enhanced armament align with the priorities of the US Navy’s Golden Fleet.
Anglo-French Future Cruise/Anti-Ship Weapon takes long-awaited step forward
Graphic showing concepts for FC/ASW. (Image: MBDA)
Work will assess two missile concepts, one subsonic and one supersonic.
On 17 February, representatives from the UK and France signed agreements with MBDA paving the way for the next step of the Future Cruise/ Anti-Ship Weapon (FC/ASW) project.
The signing of a government agreement and associated contracts by the French DGA and UK’s Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) launches ‘preparation’ work for the FC/ASW programme.
Preparation work will focus on the coordinated development of deep strike and anti-ship missiles.
The work will assess two missiles, a subsonic low observable concept and a supersonic, highly manoeuvrable concept, due to be fielded before the end of the decade.
Designed to meet French
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
You may also like
More from Naval Warfare
-
![How far will the US Navy’s FF(X) design deviate from the Legend-class?]()
-
![How China’s naval advancements are pushing the US Navy to innovate]()
How China’s naval advancements are pushing the US Navy to innovate
The US Navy is set to invest $30 billion in artificial intelligence, cyber, space and autonomy research and development efforts in FY2026 as the force rethinks how it fights in light of China’s naval rise.
-
![US Coast Guard to invest nearly $11 billion in new capabilities by October]()
US Coast Guard to invest nearly $11 billion in new capabilities by October
The US Coast Guard is expected to acquire new aircraft, helicopters, vessels and ISR sensors this fiscal year using resources from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
-
![UK and France signal shift to autonomous helicopters to boost naval power]()
UK and France signal shift to autonomous helicopters to boost naval power
Recent developments in France and the UK highlight how autonomous helicopters are becoming central to naval force design as navies seek to integrate crewed and uncrewed systems at sea.
-
![US Coast Guard’s small response boat demonstrators to be delivered in three months]()
US Coast Guard’s small response boat demonstrators to be delivered in three months
The platforms will be tested in multiple missions to define performance requirements for a coming acquisition programme.
-
![What HII’s UK expansion could mean for Royal Navy’s uncrewed future]()
What HII’s UK expansion could mean for Royal Navy’s uncrewed future
As HII prepares to deliver its latest AI-enabled uncrewed surface vessel later this year, its major UK facility expansion aligns with the UK Royal Navy’s plans for a hybrid fleet.
