MBDA has completed validation testing of its new Teseo Mk2/E anti-ship missile set to be fielded on Italian Navy warships.
The firm has just revealed its recent tests had culminated in a 20-minute piloted cruise flight of the projectile which confirmed the missile’s range.
The test programme was the final hurdle to be cleared ahead of placing the missile into production, meaning the programme is on track to deliver its first weapons to the Italian Navy in 2028.
As well as the existing FREMM and new FREMM EVO frigates, the new missile will be deployed on the Italian Navy’s new PPA Multi-Purpose Combat Ships and on its new-generation DDX destroyers.
Managing Director of MBDA Italia Renzo Tosini commented: “I am extremely proud of this result, which will guarantee a unique sovereign capability to Italy and the Italian Navy and will pave the way for further international success for MBDA, thanks to the system’s cutting-edge anti-ship performances.
“The success of this firing once again demonstrates that working in total synergy with the customer is fundamental to achieving even more ambitious results.”
The new missile will work in tandem with the previous MK2/A version already in service on the FREMM and Horizon-class naval vessels; the new missile’s range is roughly double that of the previous version.
The new missile features an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) seeker, making it hard to jam electronically, and meaning it can track multiple targets simultaneously. It cruises at high subsonic speeds and has a range of almost 200 miles.
The missile can fly in sea-skimming mode, can be controlled in flight via a satellite data link, and can be used against sea or land targets.
- You can read more details on the MBDA website
