The United Kingdom (U.K.) has completed the first guided firing trial of the Selective Precision Effects at Range (SPEAR-3) missile, a next-generation miniature cruise missile developed by MBDA. The test was conducted from a BAE Systems-operated Typhoon jet at the Vidsel test range in Sweden, marking a significant milestone in British defense capabilities.
The SPEAR-3 missile is a state-of-the-art weapon designed to target threats over 100 kilometers away. Equipped with a turbojet engine and advanced radar-seeker technology, the missile is capable of autonomously navigating to and striking land and sea targets, including air defenses, ships, and armored vehicles.
Watch the successful first guided firing of the new air-to-surface SPEAR 3 mini-cruise missile via @MBDAGroup. The missile is an air-launched cruise missile which measures only 2m in length and 0.180m in diametre but has an estimated range between 120-140km. pic.twitter.com/9ioAXWmwIu
— UK Defence Journal (@UKDefJournal) November 17, 2024
The missile’s compact size allows for flexibility, enabling platforms like the UK’s F-35B fighter jets to carry up to eight SPEAR missiles. The weapon is also compatible with the Royal Navy’s Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers, broadening its operational utility. However, integration with the F-35B fleet is expected to take until 2028 due to the clearance process.
During the test, the missile was fired without a live warhead. It successfully navigated autonomously and struck a designated target, demonstrating its precision capabilities. The trial highlighted its ability to operate in all weather conditions and under heavy countermeasures.
Matthew Brown, SPEAR Team Leader at the U.K.’s Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S), emphasized the missile’s importance in countering advanced air defense systems and enhancing the U.K.’s frontline capabilities. MBDA’s tactical strike director, Mike Mew, called the SPEAR system “truly unique” for combining range, precision, and adaptability.
The SPEAR-3 program is part of a broader £6.5 billion investment by the Ministry of Defence in advanced weaponry, including the Storm Shadow and Brimstone missiles. This investment aims to modernize the UK’s defense systems amid rising threats from adversaries like Russia, China, and North Korea, who continue to expand their military capabilities.
Luke Pollard, British Armed Forces Minister, described the missile as a “cutting-edge technology” essential for protecting the U.K. and its allies. The program also supports hundreds of jobs in the U.K., with design and development taking place in Stevenage and Bristol and manufacturing in Bolton.
