MBDA has completed a validation firing of a new anti-ship missile under development for the Italian Navy.
MBDA said a 20-minute piloted flight of an example of the TESEO MK2/E anti-ship missile validated its range and its overall system design.
The validation firing formed part of a qualification process under the missile's development phase. This process is a prerequisite for the missile entering full-rate production with an initial delivery date scheduled for 2028.
Production examples of the TESEO MK2/E missiles will be fitted on the Italian Navy's newer surface combatants such as the FREMM EVO frigates, the Thaon di Revel-class patrol ships, and the DDX destroyers.
The missile will also complement the previous MK2/A version, which is already in-service on the FREMM and Horizon-class frigates.
The TESEO MK2/E is an entirely new weapon system designed to meet the requirements of the Italian Navy.
MBDA said that the new missile boasts active electronically scanned array seeker technology and can counter both very long range naval and land targets.
The missile will also allow enhanced mission planning including in-flight control via a satellite data link. It also has a secondary deep strike capability.
