MBDA Spear-3 Missile - Orchestrike AI

The SPEAR-3 missile has been in development since 2006. With the integration of the Orchestrike AI system, the missile is now reportedly capable of operating in swarms while also autonomously detecting and engaging nearby targets. The recent introduction of the SPEAR-EW, an electronic warfare variant, allows for additional methods of attack.

(Credit: MBDA)

Basic Weapon Facts

I. Background

1. Manufacturer: MBDA
2. Suppliers: Unknown
3. Country of origin: France and the U.K.
4. Developmental stage: In development with operating capability expected by 2025/26
5. System version: SPEAR-3 and SPEAR-EW (electronic warfare variant used for jamming and decoy operations)
6. System type: Loitering Munition

II. General Specifications

1. System dimensions: Length: <2 m
2. Weight: <100kg. Warhead weight:< 47 kg
3. Max payload: On an F-35B, four separate SPEAR missiles per launcher (internal bay and external wing), totaling 16 missiles. On Eurofighter Typhoon, three SPEAR missiles per underwing hardpoint, totaling 12 missiles.
4. Max operating time: Unknown
5. Max operating Distance/Reach: 137 km
6. Max speed: Unknown

III. Autonomy

Sources

1. Manufacturer websites:
   https://www.mbda-systems.com-spear/
   https://www.mbda-systems.com-orchestrike
2. News reports:
   • "SPEAR Mini-Cruise Missile Getting An Electronic Warfare Variant To Swarm With Is A Huge Deal" (TWZ)
   • "“Putting the ‘strike’ in UK carrier strike – the SPEAR 3 stand-off weapon" (Navy Lookout)
   • "SPEAR Missile" (Think Defence)
   • "“The British pick MBDA’s Spear 3 cruise missile for their F-35s" (Defense News)
   • "Aimpoint selection: the UK's SPEAR Cap 3 air-to-surface weapon" (IHS Janes (Archived))
   • "Lockheed Martin reveals SPEAR cruise missile candidate, packaging SMACM for UK strike weapon requirement" (Flight Global)
3. Footage:

   SPEAR

(Credit: MBDA)

(Credit: Eurofighter)