ROME — European missile manufacturer MBDA has successfully completed a validation firing of the TESEO MK2/E anti-ship missile system for the Italian Navy. The missile conducted an approximately 20-minute piloted cruise flight, validating its range and supporting the final stages of the weapon’s multi-year qualification programme.
The successful test is expected to allow the programme to conclude its development phase and move into serial production within the agreed schedule. First deliveries to the Italian Navy are targeted for 2028.
The test follows the first firing on 14 October 2024, which validated the missile’s updated aerodynamic design and newly developed components, including the new axial booster. The TESEO MK2/E programme began in 2021 under a contract with Italy’s National Directorate of Naval Armaments covering development, integration and qualification. A production contract was signed in 2025.
The TESEO MK2/E is the latest development of the TESEO family, internationally known as OTOMAT. Developed with the Italian Navy, it is designed to provide both anti-ship and land-strike capabilities and will complement the existing TESEO MK2/A already in service.
The missile is planned for the Italian Navy’s PPA multi-purpose combat ships, FREMM frigates, Horizon-class destroyers and future DDX destroyers. It will also be integrated on future FREMM EVO frigates and can be adapted for international customers.
Key Capabilities
The TESEO MK2/E features a new AESA radio-frequency seeker with electronic counter-countermeasures (ECCM) and an electro-optical sensor for precision engagement of sea and land targets. A two-way satellite data link allows in-flight mission control, including target updates, reassignment and mission abort.
Its navigation system combines INS/GPS and a radio altimeter, supporting autonomous sea-skimming and over-land flight. The missile uses automated mission planning and can support coordinated simultaneous time-on-target (STOT) attacks.
MBDA lists the missile’s key characteristics as:
- Range: More than 350 km at sea-skimming level
- Speed: High subsonic
- Weight: Approximately 700 kg at the start of the cruise phase
- Length: Less than 5 metres
- Launch canister length: Under 5.5 metres
- Diameter: 350 mm
- Terminal manoeuvrability: High-G
- Warhead: Scalable semi-piercing/high-explosive type
Renzo Tosini, Executive Vice President of Sales & Business Development and Managing Director of MBDA Italia, said the result would provide Italy and the Italian Navy with a sovereign capability and could support future international opportunities for the system. He also highlighted the importance of cooperation between MBDA and the Italian Navy.
The latest firing brings the TESEO MK2/E closer to completion of its qualification programme and planned production, with first deliveries scheduled for 2028.
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