Rolls-Royce and Safran will develop the engine for the new Franco-British FC/ASW anti-ship missile.

Rolls-Royce and Safran Power Units signed a contract with ammunition developer MBDA.

The contract provides for cooperation in the framework of the Franco-British program for creating a next-generation anti-ship missile such as FC/ASW (Future Cruise/Anti-Ship Weapon).

Rolls-Royce and Safran should develop a new propulsion for a subsonic low observable missile, which should overcome modern air defense systems and hit well-protected targets.

“We are very pleased to welcome Rolls-Royce and Safran Power Units into the team. Their joint expertise will prove fundamental to the success of the subsonic FC/ASW concept, further strengthening the benefits of UK/French cooperation on this program,” Éric Béranger, MBDA CEO said.

The FC/ASW program was launched in 2017 with the aim of developing next-generation precision missiles by 2030.

The European manufacturer of missile and defense systems MBDA is leading the project.

The company announced the successful completion of the “key review” stage, which was conducted in 2019 in conjunction with the British Defence Equipment and Support agency (DE&S) and the French Directorate General of Armaments (DGA).

The formation of the concept of new weapons was supposed to be completed in July 2021.

The new anti-ship missile is planned to be compatible with British Mk.41 VLS.

The missile also should match the Sylver A70 system used by the French Navy.

The munitions being developed are to replace the air and shipboard Storm Shadow/SCALP missiles, as well as the Exocet (France) and Harpoon (Britain) anti-ship missiles.