MBDA to Produce TESEO MK2/E Anti-Ship Missile for Italian Navy

MBDA has secured a production contract with the National Directorate of Naval Armaments for the TESEO MK2/E anti-ship missile, moving the program from development to full-scale production. This follows a 2021 agreement for development, integration, and qualification of the missile.

The TESEO MK2/E will equip Italian Navy vessels including the FREMM EVO frigates, the Multi-Purpose Combat Ship/Pattugliatori Polivalenti d’Altura (MPCS/PPA), and the upcoming DDX destroyers. It will also complement the older MK2/A variant, which is operational on FREMM and Horizon-class ships.

Lorenzo Mariani, MBDA’s Executive Group Director of Sales & Business Development, said, “The start of production shows that TESEO MK2/E meets the Navy’s requirements and adds a new capability in the anti-ship domain, which can also be offered to foreign markets.”

Key Features

The TESEO MK2/E includes an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) seeker, allowing it to target naval and land-based threats at long range. Its dual-mode homing system combines an RF seeker with ECCM capability and an electro-optical (EO) sensor for precise engagement.

A two-way satellite data link allows operators to update targets, adjust flight paths, or abort missions as needed. The missile has a high subsonic cruise speed, high-G terminal maneuverability, and a sea-skimming flight profile, making it difficult to intercept. Its range exceeds 350 km, and it uses an integrated INS/GPS system with a radio altimeter for navigation. The missile carries a semi-piercing/high explosive warhead.

Operational Use

The TESEO MK2/E is designed to meet modern naval requirements, capable of striking both sea and land targets. It also includes mission planning software that provides automatic firing solutions while allowing adjustments based on real-time tactical data.

The missile weighs 700 kg at the start of its cruise phase and measures under 5 meters in length (or 5.5 meters in the launch canister). Its design allows adaptability to potential requirements from international users.

Strategic Value

Integrating the TESEO MK2/E into Italian Navy ships will provide a long-range strike option for naval operations. The missile builds on experience from the TESEO/OTOMAT family and will be included in new platforms such as the FREMM EVO frigates, DDX destroyers, and PPA ships. The system can also be offered to other navies requiring an anti-ship capability.