France is ready to export its MdCN (Missile de Croisière Naval) cruise missile, and the Swedish Navy could become its first foreign customer. If a firm agreement is eventually signed, it would mark the first time France has sold the missile to an overseas buyer, as France has so far remained its only operator.
According to Les Echos, details such as how many missiles Sweden could purchase, the potential value of the contract, and delivery timelines have not yet been disclosed. The Swedish Navy is expected to arm the frigates France is set to build for Sweden with MdCN missiles.
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The missile purchase could reportedly be announced on August 31 during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Sweden.
The MdCN cruise missile is a naval variant of the well-known SCALP-EG. It is designed for launch from both surface ships and submarines. Its range is officially stated to exceed 1,000 km, although some sources estimate it at around 1,400 km.
Despite the apparent demand for such weapons in Europe, France has so far been the only customer for MdCN. Production of the missiles was reportedly suspended for a period, likely due to the absence of new orders.
Earlier this year, however, plans emerged to restart MdCN production. In terms of its role and range, the missile can broadly be compared with Ukraine's Long Neptune and the U.S. Tomahawk.
As Defense Express previously reported, one of Ukraine's neighboring countries has also conducted the first test of its own cruise missile, which developers want to make "the smartest in the world."
Read more: Warhead Weight of the 1,000 km Ukraine's Long Neptune (RK360L) Revealed, and It's a Welcome Surprise
