MBDA successfully completes validation firing of the new anti-ship TESEO MK2/E missile system for the Italian Navy

The TESEO MK2/E evolved missile system successfully performed a validation firing as part of a multi-year development programme for the Italian Navy.

The test successfully validated the missile’s range, during an approximately 20-minute piloted cruise flight of the TESEO MK2/E.
The trial validates the overall design of this new generation anti-ship system and paves the way for a swift conclusion of the development phase. This will allow the programme to smoothly enter the production phase, within the time frame agreed with the customer, targeting a first delivery in 2028.
This milestone represents a key step in the qualification process, following the 2024 firing, which validated the design of the new missile components and aerodynamics.

The new anti-ship TESEO MK2/E programme was launched in 2021 under a contract signed with the Italian National Directorate of Naval Armaments for the development, integration, and qualification of a new anti-ship solution for the Italian Navy; a production contract was subsequently signed in 2025.
The TESEO MK2/E represents a new generation of missiles, significantly enhancing the anti-ship capabilities of the TESEO missile family, which is known internationally as OTOMAT.

Designed to address evolving threats and meet new operational requirements, the TESEO MK2/E has been developed in close collaboration with the Italian Navy to equip the new PPA (Multi-Purpose Combat Ship), the new generation destroyers (DDX), the FREMM-class frigates and Horizon-class destroyers. Furthermore, the TESEO MK2/E will be integrated in future FREMM EVO frigates and remains adaptable to the needs of international customers.

Renzo Tosini, Executive Vice President Sales & Business Development and Managing Director of MBDA Italia, stated: “I am extremely proud of this result, which will guarantee a unique sovereign capability to Italy and the Italian Navy and will pave the way for further international success for MBDA, thanks to the system’s cutting-edge anti-ship performances. The success of this firing once again demonstrates that working in total synergy with the customer is fundamental to achieving even more ambitious results. My deepest appreciation and thanks go to our colleagues whose passion and determination made this great achievement possible”.

Thanks to its proven validated performance, the TESEO MK2/E will set a new standard in the anti-ship missile market. Its versatility and flexibility will perfectly complement MBDA’s existing anti-ship portfolio, making it a cornerstone of modern naval defence systems.

About TESEO MK2/E
The TESEO MK2/E missile system features a unique mix of new capabilities and performance enhancements, notably through a new AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Antenna) RF seeker, shorter reaction times, and enhanced mission planning that includes in-flight missile control via a satellite data link. Together these advanced features will enable the effective countering of both sea and land targets at longer ranges than previous generation systems. This extended range provides greater safety for crews.

photo courtesy MBDA