A new alliance between Britain and France is moving toward fielding a next generation anti-ship missile by the end of the decade. The commitment appeared in a statement released after a meeting between Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and President Emmanuel Macron, signaling a shared push to strengthen maritime defense capabilities on both sides of the Channel.
The project centers on the Future Cruise/Ship Weapon, abbreviated FC/ASW, a cruise missile designed specifically for anti-ship purposes. Leaders say this system is intended to replace a trio of existing weapons still in service, including the Exocet and Harpoon family of missiles, alongside land-attack cruise capabilities that have been deployed by France under the SCALP designation. The FC/ASW program aims to deliver a modern, integrated solution that can operate across different platforms, enhancing both nations’ ability to deter threats at sea while maintaining a robust deterrent in Europe’s waters.
In the released text, the two governments pledge to broaden their cooperation in weapons development and to pursue major projects that will result in sophisticated, interconnected systems. The emphasis is on creating a coherent, joint capability that can be deployed quickly and reliably, should it be needed to protect national interests or support allied operations.
One paragraph in the document stresses the intent to take concrete steps to advance the FC/ASW program. The aim is to ensure no gaps exist in military readiness as these new missiles are introduced. Specific language notes the target for deployment in 2030, a timeline that places the program within a decades-long effort to modernize European maritime defense and maintain a credible deterrence alongside aligned forces.
The discussions come amid broader strategic considerations in Europe, where both London and Paris have been balancing defense modernization with the realities of regional security. There is recognition that a capable anti-ship missile system can play a critical role in shaping maritime dominance, protecting sea lanes, and reinforcing commitments to NATO and regional partners. The FC/ASW initiative reflects a willingness to pool knowledge, share technology, and align industrial bases so that both countries can benefit from economies of scale and faster development cycles.
Looking ahead, the collaboration is expected to cover not only the missiles themselves but also the integration of these weapons with existing ships, aircraft, and potential unmanned platforms. The objective is a seamless operational picture where sensors, data links, and command-and-control architectures work together to deliver timely, accurate target engagement. These efforts underscore a strategic shift toward more integrated, interoperable defense systems within Europe, reducing duplication while boosting overall capability.
Observers note that the FC/ASW project is just one element of a broader modernization push in which Britain and France aim to keep pace with advancing technologies in long-range munitions, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare. By prioritizing joint development, the two nations hope to share the heavy lifting involved in research, testing, and production, thereby accelerating the delivery timeline without compromising safety, reliability, or performance.
The potential impact of a 2030 deployment is considerable. A successful program could redefine naval strategy in the North Atlantic and adjacent seas, providing both countries with new options for deterrence and crisis management. It could also influence how partners in Europe coordinate with allied forces, shaping procurement decisions and defense planning for years to come. While the path from agreement to fielded system remains complex, the clear message from Paris and London is a firm determination to push forward and realize these ambitious capabilities within the decade.
In parallel with the FC/ASW talks, officials emphasize that the broader objective is to maintain a robust and credible military posture that can adapt to evolving threats. By investing in advanced missiles and ensuring effective integration across platforms, Britain and France look to preserve strategic advantage while contributing to regional stability. The collaboration also signals a broader commitment to scientific and industrial collaboration, strengthening the European defense ecosystem as it faces an increasingly dynamic security landscape.