Italy finally funds naval missile projects
The FC/ASW missile will be delivered in two variants. An anti-ship missile and a land-attack variant that would allow naval forces to have one missile to complete two roles. (Photo: MBDA)
The Italian MoD’s multi-year programme documents (DPP) detailing its current and planned acquisition projects has provided new details of funding for its 2023–25 naval missile programmes.
The Italian Ministry of Defence (MoD) has confirmed that funding has been provided for the Future Cruise and Anti-Ship Weapon (FC/ASW) project and for the Marte-Extended Range (Marte-ER) anti-ship missile.
Italy joined the Franco–British FC/ASW project in June 2023 when a Letter of Intent (LOI) was signed at the Paris Air Show. Although the project started 2017 it has progressed through conceptual and evaluation phases under contract to European missile manufacturer MBDA.
Under the LOI, dialogue will be ongoing to see how the three countries progress the FC/ASW programme. With some initial funding, Italy will begin to participate in the development phase
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Swedish navy moves to final phase of Blekinge-class sub production with new Saab order]()
Swedish navy moves to final phase of Blekinge-class sub production with new Saab order
Saab Kockums was initially awarded the contract to build two A26 submarines for the Royal Swedish Navy in 2015, but the programme has faced delays and escalating costs.
-
![Germany goes for more US equipment for F127 frigates with SPY-6 radar choice]()
Germany goes for more US equipment for F127 frigates with SPY-6 radar choice
If the foreign military sale request is approved, Germany would be the first country outside the US to acquire the technology, which is currently used extensively by the US Navy.
-
![US continues to review AUKUS submarine deal as HII ticks off new Virginia-class sea trials]()
US continues to review AUKUS submarine deal as HII ticks off new Virginia-class sea trials
The initial sea trials for Virginia-class SSN 798 conducted by Newport News Shipbuilding division and the US Navy marked an “important step”, but the ongoing AUKUS review casts a shadow over what the progress means for the partner nations.
-
![US Navy seeks AI software suppliers to bolster air and missile defence]()
US Navy seeks AI software suppliers to bolster air and missile defence
The US Navy is conducting market research to find AI software products for the Collaborative Integrated Air and Missile Defence Planning Programme.
-
![Turkey’s Goksur naval missile completes first live-fire intercept]()
Turkey’s Goksur naval missile completes first live-fire intercept
The Goksur will be available in a range of configurations and could be integrated into Turkey’s nascent Steel Dome which is designed to provide multi-layered protection against a range of aerial targets from mortars to aircraft.
