MBDA Successfully Completes the 1st Launch of the New Teseo MK2/E Anti-ship System for the Italian Navy

The Teseo MK2/E evolved missile system was successfully test fired for the first time on 14 October as part of the multi-year development programme for the Italian Navy. Teseo MK2/E is a new generation missile that brings a substantial improvement in the anti-ship capabilities of the Teseo missile family, known abroad as OTOMAT.

The firing, 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, expected next next year.

The Teseo Mk2/E missile system will feature a unique mix of new capabilities and performance, notably through a new AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Antenna) RF seeker, shorter reaction times and enhanced mission planning that includes in-flight missile control via a satellite data link.

Together these advanced features will enable the effective countering of both sea and land targets at long ranges than previous generation systems. This 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 on the ground.

The Teseo Mk2/E missile system is the answer to continually evolving threats that generate the need to satisfy new operational requirements. Teseo Mk2/E has been defined and developed in close collaboration with the Italian Navy to equip the new PPA, Multi-Purpose Combat Ship, and new generation destroyers (DDX). Alongside the previous Mk2/A version, it will also on board the FREMM and Horizon class naval units. 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.

Thanks to its very high performance, it will represent a new standard in the anti-ship armaments market and its variety of missions and flexibility will perfectly integrate and complement MBDA anti-ship portfolio.

Giovanni Soccodato, Executive Group Director Sales and Business Development and Managing Director of MBDA Italia, stated: “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. 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 programme in collaboration with France and UK, contributing high added-value support and significant technological content.”