After more than a 10-year hiatus, the United Kingdom is resuming production of hypersonic targets for training air defense and missile defense crews. This was reported by Defense Express, as cited by UNN.
Details
The British Ministry of Defense has signed a contract worth £20 million (about €23.4 million) with Lockheed Martin UK. The first test flight of the new hypersonic target is scheduled for 2027.
According to Uk Defence Journal, the program will allow the United Kingdom to no longer depend on allies for training military personnel to counter hypersonic and ballistic missiles. The work is expected to be carried out by Lockheed Martin's facility in Ampthill.
Preparation for countering modern missile threats
Defense Express notes that the use of ballistic and hypersonic missiles is increasingly observed in modern wars. As examples, the publication cites Russian missiles "Iskander-M," "Kinzhal," and "Zircon," as well as Iran's use of ballistic missiles during the war with the United States, Israel, and the Gulf countries.
According to the authors, despite the high level of automation of modern air defense systems, personnel training remains critically important. Operator experience allows for more effective use of interceptors, optimal deployment of missile defense assets, and improved interaction between different elements of the system.
Focus on the fleet and modernization of air defense systems
The publication reminds that the United Kingdom does not have ground-based Patriot systems or other systems capable of intercepting ballistic and hypersonic missiles. Such capabilities are currently provided only by the navy.
In particular, Type 45 destroyers are equipped with Aster 30 anti-aircraft missiles, which are being upgraded to the B1NT version. Additionally, the British side is considering installing universal Mk 41 launch systems on ships, which would allow the use of SM-3, SM-6, and PAC-3 MSE missiles.
In parallel, the United Kingdom is working on increasing the arsenal of Sky Sabre medium-range air defense missile systems. Deliveries of new launchers are expected to begin in 2027.
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