SPEAR 3 Missile: Revolutionary Stand-Off Weapon Set for Early 2030s Deployment

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The SPEAR 3 missile, a cutting-edge stand-off weapon designed for precision strikes, is now expected to enter service in the early 2030s. Developed by MBDA, this missile is intended to enhance the capabilities of the UK’s F-35B fighter jets, providing them with a long-range, high-precision strike option.

SPEAR 3. MBDA

Background and Development

The Selective Precision Effects At Range (SPEAR) project began in 2006, aiming to create a series of air-launched stand-off weapons for the Royal Air Force (RAF). The SPEAR 3 missile, which shares components with the Brimstone anti-tank missile, is designed to engage mobile, fleeting, and re-locatable targets in all weather conditions, day or night.

In March 2010, MBDA was awarded a £150 million contract for the assessment phase, focusing on guidance systems, warhead configurations, and test firings. A successful test launch from a Typhoon trials aircraft took place in March 2016, marking a significant milestone in its development.

Integration and Future Deployment

The UK Ministry of Defence awarded a £400 million contract to MBDA in May 2016 for the weapon development phase, bringing the total cost of development and integration with the F-35B to at least £800 million.

Despite successful firing trials from a BAE Systems-operated Typhoon fighter in November 2024, the missile still requires integration trials before it can be fully operational. The UK government has emphasized that the SPEAR 3 missile will provide a next-generation land-attack capability for both the Royal Navy and RAF pilots.

While the SPEAR 3 missile has demonstrated promising capabilities, its service entry remains years away. The UK continues to refine and integrate this advanced weapon system, ensuring it meets the demands of modern warfare.

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