Currently in a risk-reduction phase, the Franco-British Futur Missile Antinavire / Futur Missile de Croisière (Future Anti-Ship Missile / Future Cruise Missile, FMAN/FMC) program aims to develop a new generation of missiles to renew the long-range anti-ship warfare and in-depth strike capabilities of both nations.
By jointly signing a Letter of Intent concerning the FMAN/FMC program on Tuesday June 20, 2023, the United Kingdom and France confirmed their desire to extend Franco-British cooperation to the Italian partner.
The dialogue phase that will now open between the three countries will lay the foundations for the development phase to come. The objective for each of the three countries is to have an operational deep strike capability by 2030. This new phase of the FMAN/FMC program will strengthen Europe’s defense industry and technology base around main contractor MBDA, the European leader in the field of missiles.
The Franco-British FMAN/FMC program aims to replace the SCALP/Storm Shadow aircraft-launched cruise missiles, in service with the French and British air forces, as well as the Exocet heavy air- and surface-launched anti-ship missile, for France and the Harpoon for UK.