The French Navy and European missile developer MBDA achieved a significant feat on April 18, 2024, with the first-ever synchronized launch of Naval Cruise Missiles (NCM) from two distinct platforms during a training exercise.
This historic test involved launching NCMs from both the multi-mission frigate Aquitaine (FREMM ASM) and a Suffren-class nuclear-powered attack submarine. Both missiles successfully struck the designated target simultaneously with pinpoint accuracy, showcasing the NCM’s impressive capabilities. The French Armament General Directorate (DGA) provided crucial technical support for the exercise.
“This success, a first of its kind, demonstrates the capability offered by NCM in the current context of strategic competition and high intensity warfare,” said Eric Béranger, CEO of MBDA. He further emphasized the achievement as a testament to the exceptional collaboration between MBDA, the French Navy, and DGA, a partnership vital for ensuring combat readiness.
The NCM is a derivative of the combat-proven Storm Shadow/SCALP air-launched cruise missile, specifically modified for naval applications. It boasts a compelling suite of features that make it a highly effective weapon for long-range strikes. The NCM offers a very long stand-off range, allowing warships and submarines to engage targets from a safe distance, minimizing risk to themselves. It also incorporates advanced guidance systems, delivering exceptional terminal accuracy against a wide range of targets. The NCM’s unique capability of being launched from both submerged submarines and surface warships offers significant tactical flexibility. This allows for launches day or night, in any weather condition, giving commanders a wider range of options for deploying the missile.
MBDA is committed to further developing the NCM’s capabilities and integrating it with additional platforms. They are also actively pursuing international export campaigns, aiming to establish the NCM as a premier choice for long-range strike applications for navies around the world.
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