European missile house MBDA successfully completed the first test-firing of its Teseo MK2/E evolved anti-ship missile on 14 October 2024 as part of a multi-year development programme for the Italian Navy, the company reported on 4 November.
The Teseo MK2/E is a new-generation missile that MBDA says “brings a substantial improvement in the anti-ship capabilities of the Teseo missile family”, which is known internationally as the Otomat missile family.
The firing, made in co-operation with the Italian Navy, validated the design of the new elements of the missile and confirmed the results of wind tunnel testing of the missile’s new aerodynamics, paving the way towards the qualification of the new airframe and the new propulsion system, which is expected next year.
The Teseo Mk2/E missile system, according to MBDA, will feature a unique mix of new capabilities and performance, notably through a new active electronically scanned-array (AESA) radar seeker, shorter reaction times and enhanced mission planning that includes in-flight missile control via a satellite datalink.
These advanced features will enable the effective countering of both sea and land targets at longer ranges than previous-generation systems. Such extended range provides greater safety for crews on operations and the ability to conduct deep strikes to neutralise threats coming from fixed, mobile or reinforced positions located ashore.
“The Teseo Mk2/E missile system is the answer to continually evolving threats that generate the need to satisfy new operational requirements,” MBDA stated in a press release.
The Teseo Mk2/E has been defined and developed in close collaboration with the Italian Navy to equip its new Multi-Purpose Offshore Patrol Vessels (PPAs) and new-generation destroyers. Alongside the previous Mk2/A version, it will also arm the Italian Navy’s FREMM and Horizon-class frigates. The Teseo MK2/E missile system will also be integrated on future FREMM EVO frigates and can be adapted to the needs of international customers.
“This first test of the Teseo MK2/E demonstrates the validity of the project, confirms our development roadmap, and presents a cutting-edge naval defence product capable of countering the most sophisticated threats,” Giovanni Soccodato, executive group director of sales and business development and managing director of MBDA Italia, was quoted as saying in a company press release. “It also underlines once again how working in synergy with the customer brings results that perfectly meet their requirements. The decision by our navy to equip the Teseo MK2/E with the new AESA seeker has made it possible to develop Italian skills in the deep strike domain and will allow our country to participate in the FC/ASW [Future Cruise/Anti-Ship Weapon] programme in collaboration with France and the UK, contributing high added-value support and significant technological content,” Soccodato added.
