Martlet Missile

Full Specifications

Martlet Lightweight Precision Missile

The Martlet missile is a lightweight, laser-guided precision strike weapon developed for engaging fast-moving and lightly armored targets in complex battlefield environments. Designed primarily for naval and rotary-wing operations, the missile provides armed forces with a highly accurate and cost-effective solution against small boats, unmanned systems, armored vehicles, and personnel targets.

Manufacturer

Martlet is manufactured by Thales UK, a leading British defense company specializing in missile systems, sensors, and advanced military technologies. The missile originated in the United Kingdom and was initially developed under the Lightweight Multirole Missile (LMM) program to meet modern operational requirements for precision engagement.

Speed

Powered by a solid-fuel rocket motor, the Martlet missile reaches speeds exceeding Mach 1.5, enabling rapid target engagement and reducing enemy reaction time. Its high-speed performance enhances effectiveness against maneuvering threats, including fast attack craft and low-flying aerial targets.

Range

The missile has an effective operational range of approximately 8 km when launched from helicopters and similar platforms. This standoff capability allows operators to engage threats while remaining outside many hostile weapon engagement zones.

Cost / Price

The exact unit cost of the Martlet missile is not publicly disclosed. Defense analysts estimate the missile’s price to be significantly lower than larger anti-tank guided missiles, making it an economical precision-strike option for military forces seeking scalable firepower.

Operational Capabilities

Martlet employs a semi-active laser guidance system, providing high accuracy against stationary and moving targets. The missile can be launched from helicopters such as the Wildcat, naval vessels equipped with launcher systems, and certain ground-based platforms.

Its lightweight design allows multiple missiles to be carried simultaneously, increasing engagement capacity. The missile’s blast-fragmentation warhead delivers effective lethality against small boats, light armored vehicles, drone threats, and exposed personnel.

The weapon remains in active service with the United Kingdom and has demonstrated effectiveness in modern maritime security and battlefield operations, where precision, flexibility, and rapid response are critical.