Britain test fires new cruise missile

The UK’s SPEAR-3 missile, a next-generation miniature cruise missile, has successfully completed its first guided firing trial, advancing the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force’s operational capabilities.

Developed by MBDA in the UK, SPEAR was fired from a BAE Systems-operated Typhoon jet at the Vidsel test range in Sweden.

The trial marked the first time the missile engaged a target, demonstrating its ability to navigate autonomously and strike with precision using advanced radar-seeker technology. The missile is capable of targeting threats over 100 km away, including air defences, ships, armoured vehicles, and fast-moving platforms.

Planned for integration with the UK’s fleet of F-35B fighter jets, SPEAR will enable flexible strike capabilities from land or sea, including operations from the Royal Navy’s Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers. Each F-35B can carry up to eight SPEAR missiles, providing a long-range, stand-off capability.

Matthew Brown, SPEAR Team Leader at DE&S, highlighted the significance 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 missile programme supports hundreds of jobs within MBDA’s UK operations, with design and development centred in Stevenage and Bristol, and manufacturing in Bolton.

Defence Minister Luke Pollard described the achievement as: “a significant leap forward in UK Armed Forces’ capabilities, ensuring our Royal Navy and Royal Air Force personnel are equipped with cutting-edge technology to protect our nation.” He also noted: “This achievement not only strengthens national defence capabilities but also boosts the UK economy, by supporting high-skilled jobs and innovation.”

The SPEAR programme is part of a £6.5 billion MOD investment in UK weapons development over the next decade, which includes projects such as Brimstone, Sea Viper, and Storm Shadow.

Chris Moon, BAE Systems’ UK Delivery Director for Typhoon Capability, commended the collaboration behind the trial: “This successful firing from Typhoon is as a result of the hard work and outstanding collaboration between MBDA, MoD and BAE Systems personnel over many months.”