UK’s new cruise, anti-ship missile ready by 2028

The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the Future Cruise/Anti-Ship Weapon (FC/ASW) programme is expected to be operational with the Royal Navy by 2028.

John Healey, Shadow Secretary of State for Defence, posed the question to the Secretary of State for Defence, highlighting the significance of this programme and its progress, UK Defence Journal reports.

In response to Mr. Healey’s query, James Cartlidge, The Minister of State, Ministry of Defence, stated, “The Future Cruise/Anti-Ship Weapon (FC/ASW) programme is in the middle of the Assessment Phase which is currently on track. The planned assumption for service entry date for equipping the Royal Navy with a Future Offensive Surface Warfare capability under the FC/ASW programme is 2028.”

The FC/ASW aims to replace Storm Shadow/SCALP air-launched cruise missile in operational service in the UK and France as well as Exocet anti-ship missile in France and Harpoon anti-ship missile in the UK.

The confirmation provides a clear timeline for when the capabilities of the FC/ASW programme are expected to become operational within the Royal Navy. As the programme’s Assessment Phase progresses, further details and potential adjustments to this projection will come to light.

The United Kingdom and France recently confirmed the launch of the preparation works for the Future Cruise/Anti-Ship Weapon (FC/ASW) programme, after the signature of a government agreement and associated contracts by the French Direction générale de l’armement (DGA) and the British Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S).

The ‘Future Cruise/Anti–Ship Weapon’ project was originally believed to be producing one missile able to strike ships and land targets but has now become two distinct missiles.

Italy Signals Intent to Join UK and France in FC/ASW Programme

In a related development, missile systems company MBDA welcomed the Italian government’s intent to join the UK and France in the FC/ASW programme. In a press release, the company announced that a Letter of Intent (LOI) has been signed by representatives of the three National Armament directions during the Paris Air Show.

This move signals the start of preparatory work for Italy’s full participation in the programme.

Eric Beranger, CEO of MBDA, expressed his delight with Italy’s intent to join the FC/ASW programme. He stated, “Participation in the FC/ASW programme will provide all three nations with a sovereign next-generation deep strike and heavy anti-ship capability to counter advanced threats.” Beranger further added, “FC/ASW will meet the operational needs of the Italian, British, and French armed forces in the deep strike and anti-ship domains for the decades to come.”