Wildcat helicopter firing a FASGW missile

The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the French government have signed an agreement to jointly develop a helicopter-borne anti-ship missile, worth £500m.

Under the contract, MBDA will develop and demonstrate the future anti-surface guided weapon (heavy)/anti-navire léger (FASGW(H)/ANL) missile for installation aboard the Royal Navy’s new AW159 Lynx Wildcat helicopters and the French Navy’s maritime helicopters.

UK Defence Equipment, Support and Technology Minister Philip Dunne said: "Not only will the contract protect around 200 specialist engineering jobs in the UK, but is an important plank in building the strength of our relationship with France through joint procurement of common equipment, which will provide interoperability and other benefits of working in partnership."

The 100kg modern primarily anti-ship missile will feature surface attack capability against coastal and land targets and can destroy vessels from a safe stand-off range.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.
"The joint programme will replace legacy systems, such as the British Sea Skua and the French-developed AS15TT anti-ship missiles, while providing enhanced capability."

First Sea Lord Admiral Sir George Zambellas said: "These state-of-the-art missiles will play their part in the maintenance of a credible Navy; not only will they provide the Fleet Air Arm with a continuing battle-winning edge into the future, but they will also help to strengthen our partnership and interoperability with our good friends in the Marine Nationale."

The joint programme will replace legacy systems, such as the British Sea Skua and the French-developed AS15TT anti-ship missiles, while providing enhanced capability.

The FASGW(H)/ANL missile is suitable for blue water and cluttered littoral operations, and can engage automatically using sophisticated homing technology or can be operator-controlled, enabling mid-flight re-designation.


Image: One of the new missiles being fired. Photo: copyright MBDA UK 2014.

Defence Technology