MBDA has signed a contract with the National Directorate of Naval Armaments for the production of the TESEO MK2/E anti-ship missile, which is currently under development for the Italian Navy.
MBDA press release
The contract covers the supply of new generation TESEO MK2/E anti-ship missiles, which will equip new units of the Italian Navy. This includes the FREMM EVO class frigates, the MPCS/PPA (Multi-Purpose Combat Ship/Pattugliatori Polivalenti d’Altura) and the new generation DDX destroyers. The missile will also complement the previous MK2/A version, which is already in-service on the FREMM and Horizon class naval units.
The production contract follows the previous one signed in 2021 for the development, integration and qualification of the missile. The TESEO MK2/E is an entirely new weapon system designed to meet the requirements of the Italian Navy. Thanks to its Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) seeker technology the new missile offers innovative performance. For example, it can counter both very long range naval and land targets, allows enhanced mission planning that includes in-flight missile control via a satellite data link, and has a secondary deep strike capability.
“I am particularly proud of the signing of this contract, which confirms the success of a process led in full synergy with our Navy. In addition, it is fully aligned with the roadmaps defined with the development contract. Starting the production of TESEO MK2/E demonstrates not only that the product is mature and fully compliant with the Navy’s requirements, but also that it perfectly complements MBDA’s portfolio, adding a new benchmark capability in the anti-ship domain, to be offered to foreign markets as well”.
Lorenzo Mariani, MBDA Executive Group Director of Sales & Business Development, and Managing Director of MBDA
TESEO MK2/E is the answer to evolving threats that need the implementation of new operational requirements. This new generation missile is flexible and ready to be adapted to the needs of international customers. It builds on decades of experience provided by the TESEO family (known worldwide as OTOMAT) and will lead to a substantial enhancement in anti-ship capabilities.
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About Teseo Mk2/E
The TESEO MK2/E integrates a state-of-the-art dual-mode homing head section including both coherent new RF-seeker with ECCM capability and EO sensor for high precision engagement, for sea and land targets.
It includes an innovative mission planning which provides a fast reaction time with automatic firing solution, while planned mission parameters are adjustable by weapon system operator according to real time tactical picture. It can count on a two-way data link system for mission control up to the end of the engagement, to allow target update and reassignment and mission abort.
It performs a high subsonic cruise speed and high-G terminal manoeuvrability with an effective range in excess of 350 km at sea-skimming level. It has a fully autonomous integrated INS/GPS and radio-altimeter navigation system with self-adapted sea skimming and fly over-land capability. It delivers lethal effect through an effective scalable, semi-piercing/high explosive warhead.
Teseo MK2/E characteristics:
- Weight: 700kg (start of cruise phase)
- Length: < 5m (< 5.5m in launching canister)
- Range: > 350km
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 into future FREMM EVO frigates and can be adapted to the needs of international customers.
You can watch our coverage on TESEO Mk2/A anti-ship missile at Sea Future 2025 exhibition in Italy.
