Italy joins Franco-British missile program, unveils "terrifying" weapons

Italian press reported on June 25 that the country has joined the Franco-British Future Anti-Ship/Afloat Weapon (FC/ASW) program.

By participating in the British-French program, Italy could possess many types of "monstrous" missiles. (Source: MBDA)

The decision was revealed during a meeting on June 20 between Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto and his French counterpart Sebastien Lecornu. Officials from the three countries later signed a letter of intent on the project on the sidelines of the Paris Air Show.

France and the UK launched the FC/ASW program in 2017 to replace the Exocet and Harpoon anti-ship missiles, and the Storm Shadow/SCALP cruise missile, starting in 2028.

The next-generation missile program is currently pursuing two complementary missile concepts: a subsonic, low-observable concept and a hypersonic, highly maneuverable concept to meet French and British requirements and to counter land and sea-based threats, hardened targets and air defenses, at very long ranges and in increasingly hostile battlespace environments.

The new turbofan-powered missile is expected to weigh around 800 kg with a payload of three 200 kg and two 50 kg warheads. The warheads will be able to hit the same target for a concentrated impact or be ejected from side bays to hit multiple targets.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/italy-tham-gia-chuong-trinh-ten-lua-cua-phap-anh-he-lo-nhung-loai-vu-khi-khung-232284.html