PARIS, July 8 (UPI) -- France's Directorate General of Armaments said a cruise missile developed by MBDA for the French Navy successfully completed its first development firing.
The firing of the MdCN was conducted at a missile test range, confirming the missile's range and helping to validate the weapon's autonomous navigation system and terminal guidance.
"This success is the result of intensive and coordinated work by several state administrations ... and the industrial prime contractor, MBDA France," the government agency said. "The MDCN will equip the FREMM multi-mission frigates and the Barracuda nuclear-powered attack submarines."
DGA said the missile is derived from the air-launched Scalp cruise missile and is designed for use against targets deep inside enemy territory, such as high-value infrastructure.
Additional details of the testing or the cruise missile were not disclosed.
MBDA is a pan-European company jointly owned by BAE Systems, EADS and Finmeccanica.
MBDA said production of the MdCN will be conducted by a company facility in central France.
