MBDA SPEAR: the miniature cruise missile for F-35, Typhoon and uncrewed platforms

SPEAR is designed to put many small networked precision weapons into a sortie instead of a few heavy cruise missiles. MBDA states under 100 kg weight, less than two metres length and range beyond 100 kilometres. Low-rate initial production began in 2026, with first operational deliveries planned for early 2027.

Propulsion and high loadout

A turbojet extends reach and permits flexible approach routes. Compact dimensions allow multiple weapons on a station or in an internal bay. High loadout increases target count and saturation, but requires mission planning, bandwidth and sufficient missile production. Range varies with release profile.

Seeker and datalink

Millimetric radar and laser channels support moving and fixed targets in varied weather. INS/GPS guides the cruise, while a two-way datalink permits update, retarget or abort. Networking adds control but creates dependence on secure communications and current target data.

Targets, platforms and variants

SPEAR is intended for F-35 and Typhoon, with other crewed and uncrewed integrations pursued. Its multi-effect warhead addresses air defence, vehicles, ships and structures. SPEAR-EW is intended to deceive radars; SPEAR Glide is a lower-cost derivative. These variants do not share one maturity level.

Editorial assessment

SPEAR combines reach, loadout and in-flight control in an unusually small package. It suits distributed air combat if seeker and network survive countermeasures. Production start is an important maturity step; reliability, unit price and platform clearances will establish operational value.

Primary sources and method

This assessment uses official government, armed-forces and manufacturer material. Missing data are not replaced with estimates.

• MBDA – SPEAR product specification
• MBDA – 2026 production and operational-readiness update