The UK’s next-generation cruise missile, SPEAR-3, has achieved a major milestone with its first guided firing trial.
Developed by MBDA in the UK, the advanced missile was launched from a Typhoon jet operated by BAE Systems at Sweden’s Vidsel test range. The trial showcased SPEAR’s ability to autonomously navigate and strike a target with precision, leveraging state-of-the-art radar-seeker technology.
Capable of engaging threats over 100 kilometers away, the missile is designed to counter a range of targets, including air defenses, ships, armored vehicles, and fast-moving platforms. SPEAR-3’s compact design makes it versatile, though its warhead size of under 50 kilograms and a range of approximately 100 miles are relatively modest compared to some other advanced weapons.
Integration with F-35B Fighter Jets
The missile is slated for integration with the UK’s fleet of F-35B fighter jets, enhancing operational flexibility from both land and sea platforms, including the Royal Navy’s Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers. However, integration clearance for the F-35 is not expected until 2028, potentially delaying the missile’s deployment in the short term.
Strategic and Economic Impact
Matthew Brown, SPEAR Team Leader at Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S), emphasized the importance of the trial, stating:
“This trial was a key step on the way to delivering SPEAR to the UK frontline, where it will provide a new capability to defeat the most complex air defence systems, enabling pilots to fly and fight wherever they’re needed in defence of the UK and its allies.”
The SPEAR programme underpins hundreds of jobs across MBDA’s UK operations, with design and development based in Stevenage and Bristol, and manufacturing in Bolton.
Defence Minister Luke Pollard praised the achievement as a major advancement in national security:
“This significant leap forward in UK Armed Forces’ capabilities ensures our Royal Navy and Royal Air Force personnel are equipped with cutting-edge technology to protect our nation. It also boosts the UK economy by supporting high-skilled jobs and driving innovation.”
Collaborative Effort and Future Investments
The successful test was the result of close collaboration between MBDA, the Ministry of Defence (MoD), and BAE Systems. Chris Moon, BAE Systems’ UK Delivery Director for Typhoon Capability, highlighted the teamwork behind the trial:
“This successful firing from Typhoon is a result of the hard work and outstanding collaboration between MBDA, MoD, and BAE Systems personnel over many months.”
SPEAR-3 is part of a broader £6.5 billion investment by the Ministry of Defence in UK weapons development over the next decade. Other projects under this initiative include Brimstone, Sea Viper, and Storm Shadow, signaling a sustained commitment to advancing the nation’s defense capabilities. Photo by Bumper12, Wikimedia commons.
