The defense relationship between the United Kingdom and France continues to mature, with missile systems emerging as a key pillar of bilateral cooperation. At the core of this strategic synergy lies the Future Cruise/Anti-Ship Weapon (FC/ASW) program, a flagship effort jointly led by MBDA, aimed at delivering a next-generation cruise missile capability for both nations by the early 2030s.
Building on the Lancaster House Treaties of 2010, the two nuclear-armed NATO allies have reasserted their shared commitment to operational interoperability and industrial coordination, particularly in high-precision strike capabilities.
Future Cruise/Anti-Ship Weapon (FC/ASW) as the Cornerstone
The FC/ASW initiative is intended to replace the UK’s Storm Shadow and France’s SCALP missiles. This collaborative missile will offer long-range, low-observable capabilities, optimized for both land-attack and anti-ship missions—significantly bolstering Europe’s independent deterrent posture.
According to MBDA, the concept phase has now matured into a joint assessment stage, with flight testing scheduled before the end of the decade. The program not only ensures technological parity with global competitors but also strengthens Europe’s strategic autonomy in the face of U.S.-centric defense dynamics.
Air Defense and Hypersonics: Next Phase of Collaboration?
Beyond FC/ASW, the Anglo-French axis may deepen cooperation in air and missile defense, including hypersonic interceptor technologies. Discussions are reportedly underway regarding the evolution of MBDA’s ASTER missile family, with a future focus on maneuverable high-speed threats.
NATO’s growing interest in layered missile defense architecture underscores the relevance of such cooperation. Integration of jointly-developed systems would enhance both interoperability and sovereign control—an increasingly critical balance in today’s security environment.
“This partnership shows how Europe can lead in key defense domains when political will and industrial excellence are aligned,”
MBDA Executive, Farnborough Air Show
Political Will and Industrial Backbone
A key factor sustaining this cooperation is the strong political alignment between Paris and London, especially amid broader European concerns about strategic dependencies. As defense budgets grow, Anglo-French defense collaboration provides a credible path for regional capability development.
MBDA, jointly owned by Airbus, BAE Systems, and Leonardo, remains at the heart of this bilateral effort, embodying Europe’s integrated defense industry vision.
