The UK has successfully conducted the inaugural flight test of the SPEAR-3 air-to-ground guided cruise missile, marking a significant milestone in its development. The test took place last month at the Vidsel range in Sweden, where a BAE Systems-operated Eurofighter Typhoon jet launched the missile. This trial effectively showcased the missile’s release, its ability to gather data, and long-range free-flight control following a high-altitude and high-speed deployment.
Dean Pask, the Senior Responsible Owner for SPEAR at the UK Ministry of Defence, emphasized that this guided firing represents a crucial advancement in the SPEAR programme’s capability development. He noted that this was the first in a series of tests planned to illustrate the missile’s comprehensive capabilities.
Since its inception in 2016, the SPEAR-3 missile has been designed specifically to fit within the internal bay of the F-35B stealth fighter aircraft, as part of its Block 4 upgrades. The vertical landing and short takeoff F-35B can carry a maximum of eight SPEAR missiles, significantly enhancing its standoff air-to-ground capabilities and enabling it to engage enemy air defenses effectively in complex operational environments.
SPEAR-3 is engineered to target fast-moving and well-defended installations, including air defense systems, ballistic missile launchers, main battle tanks, naval vessels, and armored personnel carriers. The missile measures two meters in length and has a diameter of 0.180 meters, incorporating a turbojet engine that supports its capabilities.
Boasting an estimated range of 100 kilometers (62 miles), the missile employs an inertial navigation system combined with GPS for midcourse guidance. The Royal Air Force explained that SPEAR autonomously navigates to its target using customizable routes, leveraging its advanced all-weather radar seeker to map the target area and using radio-frequency imagery for effective engagement.
The timeline for achieving full operational capability with the SPEAR-3 has been advanced from 2025 to 2028. Matthew Brown, the SPEAR Team Leader at Defence Equipment & Support, reiterated the importance of the recent trial, stating it is a vital step towards equipping the UK frontline with a new capability to neutralize complex air defense systems. This capability will enhance pilots’ abilities to operate and engage in defense of both the UK and its allies whenever necessary.
