Martlet (missile)

{{Infobox weapon | name = Lightweight Multirole Missile<br/>Martlet | image = AW159 Wildcat equipped with Martlet missiles.jpg | image_size = 300 | alt = | caption = A Royal Navy [[AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat|Wildcat]] helicopter equipped with Martlet missiles. | type = Laser-guided battlefield missile ([[Air-to-surface missile|ASM]], [[Air-to-air missile|AAM]], [[Surface-to-air missile|SAM]] and [[Surface-to-surface missile|SSM]]) | origin = [[United Kingdom]] | is_missile = y | is_UK = y | service = 2021; full operating capability from October 2025<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.navylookout.com/full-operating-capability-declared-for-royal-navy-martlet-missile/|title=Full Operating Capability declared for Royal Navy Martlet Missile |website=Navy Lookout |date=18 October 2025 |access-date=19 October 2025}}</ref> | used_by = {{ubl|[[Royal Navy]]|[[British Army]]|[[Royal Air Force Regiment]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=Defences bolstered amid US-Israel-Iran war: Find out how RAF Akrotiri is being protected |url=https://www.forcesnews.com/epic-fury/epic-fury-has-defence-secretary-done-enough-heres-what-defending-raf-akrotiri|website=Forces News |date= 10 March 2026 |access-date=11 March 2026|last=Hollis |first=Will}}</ref>|[[Royal Marines]]<ref>{{cite tweet |url=https://x.com/NavyLookout/status/2039064316385660953?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet |title=@NavyLookout.@RoyalMarines Ground-Based Air Defence (GBAD) unit deployed on Cyprus. |number=2039064316385660953 |user=NavyLookout |date=31 March 2026 |access-date=1 April 2026}}</ref>|[[Armed Forces of Ukraine]]}} | wars = [[Russo-Ukrainian War]] | designer = | design_date = | manufacturer = [[Thales Air Defence]] | production_date = | number = | variants =  | spec_label = | mass = {{cvt|13|kg|lb}} | length = {{cvt|1.3|m|ftin}} | width = | height = | diameter = {{cvt|76|mm|in}} | filling = HE blast [[Fragmentation (weaponry)|fragmentation]], shaped charge | filling_weight = {{cvt|3|kg|lb}} | detonation = Laser, proximity (active) | yield =  | engine = | engine_power = | vehicle_range = >{{cvt|6|km|nmi mi}} | speed = >{{cvt|1.5|Mach|m/sec ft/sec km/h}} | guidance = {{ubl|[[Semi-active laser|SAL]]+[[Laser beam riding|LBR]] (Mode A)|[[Infrared|IR]] Terminal homing (Mode B)|[[Imaging infrared|IIR]] Terminal homing (Mode C)|[[Inertial navigation system|INS]]+[[GPS]] (Mode D)}} | steering =  | wingspan = {{cvt|260|mm|in}} | propellant = 2-stage, solid propellant | ceiling = | altitude = | boost = | depth = | accuracy = | launch_platform = {{ubl|[[AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat]]|[[Schiebel Camcopter S-100]]|[[BAE Fury]]|[[Thales Watchkeeper WK450]]}} Jackal drone (UK) (under development) | transport =  | ref = [[Janes Information Services|Janes]]<ref>{{Citation |author=[[Janes Information Services|Janes]] |url=https://customer.janes.com/Janes/Display/JALWA056-JALW |title=Lightweight Multirole Missile (LMM) |date=23 November 2022 |website=Janes Weapons: Air Launched |publisher=Jane's Group UK Limited |publication-place=[[Coulsdon]], [[Surrey]] |url-access=subscription |access-date=2 January 2023}}</ref> }}

'''Martlet''' or the '''Lightweight Multirole Missile''' '''(LMM)''' is a lightweight [[air-to-surface]], [[Air-to-air missile|air-to-air]], [[surface-to-air]], and [[surface-to-surface]] missile developed by [[Thales Air Defence]] for the [[United Kingdom]]. It is named after a mythical bird from [[English heraldry]] that never roosts, the [[Martlet]].<ref>{{citation |title=Type 26 Global Combat Ship |date=9 October 2014 |url=http://www.parliament.uk/documents/commons-committees/defence/141009_SoS_re_Type_26_Global_Combat_Ship.pdf |pages=3 |access-date=24 November 2014 |publisher=Ministry of Defence}}</ref>

The LMM was developed from the [[Starburst (missile)|Starburst]] surface-to-air missile to meet the UK's "Future Air-to-Surface Guided Weapon (Light)" requirement to equip the [[Royal Navy]]'s [[AW159 Wildcat]] helicopters and supplement the heavier [[Sea Venom (missile)|Sea Venom]] missile by the engagement of smaller and manoeuvrable naval craft.<ref name="auto1" /><ref name=":1" />

A glide variant of the LMM known as '''FreeFall LMM (FFLMM)''' or '''Fury''' is designed as a lighter munition to equip drones and is currently slated to equip the [[British Army]]'s [[M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System|Dispensing Rocket Payload]] for the [[GMLRS|GMLRS-ER]] and [[Precision Strike Missile|Precision Strike Missile (PrSM)]].<ref name=":2" />

The [[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|Ministry of Defence]] (MoD) placed an initial order for 1,000 missiles with deliveries due to start in 2013.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Defense-News/2011/04/06/Britain-orders-1000-Thales-LMM-missiles/27961302116385/|title=Britain orders 1,000 Thales LMM missiles|website=UPI}}</ref> However, initial operating capability was considerably delayed and took place in 2021 with full operating capability achieved in 2025.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.navylookout.com/full-operating-capability-declared-for-royal-navy-martlet-missile/|title=Full Operating Capability declared for Royal Navy Martlet Missile |website=Navy Lookout |date=18 October 2025 |access-date=19 October 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/martlet-achieves-progress-in-operating-capabilities/|title=Martlet achieves progress in operating capabilities |website=UK Defence Journal |last=Allison |first=George |date=23 July 2023}}</ref><ref name="SaveWildCat">{{citation |url=https://www.savetheroyalnavy.org/in-focus-the-wildcat-multi-role-helicopter-in-service-with-the-royal-navy/ |title=In focus: the Wildcat multi role helicopter in service with the Royal Navy |date= 4 February 2019 |publisher= savetheroyalnavy.org}}</ref><ref name="auto1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.savetheroyalnavy.org/the-martlet-missile-wildcat-helicopter-gets-its-claws/|title=The Martlet missile – the Wildcat helicopter gets its claws | Navy Lookout|date=15 June 2020}}</ref> In March 2026, the MoD said that in order to protect the UK's partners in the [[Arab states of the Persian Gulf|Gulf]] region, it would order more missiles, as well as provide them with training in the UK.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Young |first=Sarah |date=2026-03-18 |title=UK looks to provide more support to Gulf allies amid Iranian attacks |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/uk-looks-provide-more-support-gulf-allies-amid-iranian-attacks-2026-03-18/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260318203727/https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/uk-looks-provide-more-support-gulf-allies-amid-iranian-attacks-2026-03-18/ |archive-date=2026-03-18 |access-date=2026-03-18 |work=[[Reuters]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=UK defence industry steps up support for Gulf partners facing Iranian attacks |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-defence-industry-steps-up-support-for-gulf-partners-facing-iranian-attacks |access-date=2026-03-18 |website=GOV.UK |language=en}}</ref>

==Development== [[File:First Operational Martlet Firing.jpg|thumb|The first operational live firing of a Martlet missile by the Royal Navy in October 2021]] [[File:S-100-OE-VXX.jpg|thumb|A [[Schiebel Camcopter S-100]] UAV fitted with a Martlet missile]] The Lightweight Multirole Missile was initially conceived as Thales' response to the MoD's FASGW(L) or Future Air-to-Surface Guided Weapon (Light) requirement. FASGW consisted of both a heavy and light system. The heavy requirement would become the Anglo-French developed [[Sea Venom (missile)|Sea Venom]] designed to replace the [[Sea Skua]] as a helicopter launched anti-ship weapon for use against [[Fast attack craft|fast-attack-craft]], [[Landing Craft Utility|landing craft]] and larger vessels such as [[Corvette]]s. The light requirement was to be a new weapon optimised around defeating [[Fast attack craft|fast-in-shore-attack-craft]] particularly in response to the force structure of the [[Iranian Navy]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2022-11-12 |title=Martlet ( Lightweight Multirole Missile) - Think Defence |url=https://www.thinkdefence.co.uk/2022/11/martlet-lightweight-multirole-missile/ |access-date=2023-10-22 |website=www.thinkdefence.co.uk |language=en-GB}}</ref>

Thales submitted a re-designed [[Starburst (missile)|Starburst]] missile (the predecessor to [[Starstreak]]) which would maintain the use of a laser beam-riding guidance system as means of overcoming the tight [[rules of engagement]] present in in-shore waters and ensuring continued effectiveness against low-reflectivity targets. It was designed to be launched from a variety of naval, air and land platforms against a wide range of targets.<ref name=":0" />

Qualification testing and initial production commenced in late 2011, following an initial contract by the UK Ministry of Defence in April 2011. Thales has conducted successful guidance control firings, including a semi-active laser (SAL) version. The MoD contract was for the design, development, and commissioning of a laser beam rider version of LMM, together with production of an initial quantity of 1,000 missiles.<ref name="auto" />

== Characteristics == The LMM weighs approximately {{convert|13|kg|lb}} with a length of {{convert|1.3|m|ftin}} and a diameter of {{convert|76|mm|in}}.<ref name=":0" /> The weapon is guided using a laser beam-riding system but [[Thales UK|Thales]] have proposed a variety of additional seekers including a [[semi-active laser]], [[Infrared homing|terminal Infrared]], and [[GPS]]/[[Inertial guidance|INS]] systems.<ref name=":0" />

LMM can be operated from variety of platforms. Martlet has been integrated onto the Royal Navy's [[AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat]] helicopters which across two weapon wings and four total weapon stations can hold up to 20x missiles, alternatively a mix load of 10x Martlets and 2x [[Sea Venom (missile)|Sea Venoms]] can be carried, or a weapon wing can be removed to allow for a mounted gun on one side.

The [[British Army]] has integrated LMM on their current armoured ([[Alvis Stormer|Stormer]]) and light role [[Starstreak]] ground-based air-defence batteries of [[12 Regiment Royal Artillery]] and [[106th (Yeomanry) Regiment Royal Artillery]] to supplement [[Starstreak]].<ref name="auto" /><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2020-06-15 |title=The Martlet missile – the Wildcat helicopter gets its claws {{!}} Navy Lookout |url=https://www.navylookout.com/the-martlet-missile-wildcat-helicopter-gets-its-claws/ |access-date=2023-10-22 |website=www.navylookout.com |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=On board Royal Navy's latest-generation multi-role Wildcat helicopter |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upXv4JTmZgs&list=PL684FExql1MW_0gXL2OhJhfMdgO1E4_FP&index=11 |access-date=2023-10-22 |language=en}}</ref>

Other platforms have also been trialled or conceptualised. In early 2019 [[HMS Sutherland (F81)|HMS ''Sutherland'']] tested a modified mounting for the [[30mm DS30M Mark 2 Automated Small Calibre Gun|30 mm Automated Small Calibre Gun]] which incorporated a launcher for five Martlet LMMs, by firing four of them at a small speedboat target at the [[Aberporth Airport|Aberporth]] range in Wales. The concept of mounting the missile alongside the {{cvt|30|mm|in|3}} [[M242 Bushmaster|Bushmaster]] cannon was tested just 5 months after the idea's conception. The intended role of the Martlet is to further extend the [[Type 23 frigate]]'s capabilities against small, fast-moving targets beyond the current 30 mm, [[FN MAG|general purpose machine gun]] and Minigun options to provide a long-range "stand-off" ability. As of 2019 it was not clear whether the Royal Navy intended to equip any more Type 23s with the system.<ref>{{Cite web |date=16 July 2019 |title=Navy's new anti-ship missile bang on target |url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2019/july/16/190716-navys-new-anti-ship-missile |access-date=19 July 2019 |website=www.royalnavy.mod.uk |publisher=Royal Navy}}</ref> A 2023 report suggested that the tests had not been deemed successful due to efflux management issues on the Type 23.<ref>{{Cite web |date=6 August 2023 |title=Ukraine war sees uncrewed surface vessels mature into a serious threat |url=https://www.navylookout.com/ukraine-war-sees-uncrewed-surface-vessels-mature-into-a-serious-threat/ |website=Navy Lookout}}</ref>

A number of other surface launch options have been conceived for the LMM such as standalone launchers as well as concepts for LMM to be mounted to other gun systems as the Thales' 40mm [[CTA International|RAPIDfire]].<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Citation |title=RAPIDFire naval gun system with LMM missiles by KNDS and Thales |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Q7IEJiKtPY |access-date=2023-10-24 |language=en}}</ref> LMM and in some cases FFLMM have also been publicly tested by a variety of [[Unmanned aerial vehicle|uncrewed air vehicles]] (UAVs) including a [[Schiebel Camcopter S-100]], Flyby Technology's Jackal, and the Hydra 400.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Lye |first=Stuart |date=30 November 2023 |title=Low cost delivery drones. The Sparrow winch for precision delivery/extraction into urban canyons. Malloy heavy drone with CASEVAC, rocket, gun pod (mini-BRRRRTTT) and, of course, Brimstone. |url=https://twitter.com/stu_lyle/status/1730313835297263640/photo/3 |access-date=2023-12-03 |website=X (formerly Twitter) |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Technology |first=Flyby |title=Jackal VTOL aircraft |url=https://www.flybydronetraining.co.uk/news/jackal/ |access-date=2023-10-22 |website=FlybyTechnology |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Technology |first=Flyby |title=Flyby Professional Drone Training |url=https://www.flybydronetraining.co.uk/news/jackal-drone-used-to-launch-martlet-missiles-for-first-time-during-trials/ |access-date=2023-10-22 |website=FlybyTechnology |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":6">{{Citation |title=Jackal drone fires Martlet missiles for first time in RAF trials |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTHDsE6S8tQ |access-date=2023-10-22 |language=en}}</ref>

Thales state that LMM range, ground launched, is more than {{convert|6|km}}.<ref name=bbc-20240906/>

The Royal Navy version of the standard Martlet does not have a seeker but rides the sighting device laser beam to the target at ranges from {{convert|400|m}} to beyond {{convert|6|km|nmi mi}}. ''[[Janes Information Services|Janes]]'' report, as of 2025, a seeker is an option but the UK order does not include this option.<ref name=janes-20251020>{{cite news |url=https://www.janes.com/osint-insights/defence-news/defence/royal-navy-clears-martlet-missile-for-front-line-use |title=Royal Navy clears Martlet missile for front-line use |last=Jennings |first=Gareth |publisher=IHS |work=Janes |date=20 October 2025 |access-date=12 March 2026}}</ref>

The cost of the basic missile, without launch system, has been estimated to be £50,000 by ''[[The Times]]'' in 2026,<ref name=times-20260306>{{cite news |url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/defence/article/british-troops-cheap-missiles-iran-drones-x0zb52vz0 |title=Meet the Martlets: missiles downing more Iranian drones than RAF jets |newspaper=The Times |location=London |url-access=subscription |date=6 March 2026 |access-date=22 March 2026}}</ref> and between £59,000 and £71,000 by ''[[The Register]]'' in 2025.<ref name=thereg-20251022>{{cite news |url=https://www.theregister.com/2025/10/22/royal_navy_martlet/ |title=Royal Navy sharpens claws on Wildcat choppers with anti-drone Martlet missiles |website=The Register |date=22 October 2025 |access-date=22 March 2026}}</ref>

==FFLMM/Fury== [[File:Textron Fury mockup at IDEX 2017.jpg|thumb|upright|Textron Fury mockup at [[International Defence Exhibition|IDEX 2017]]]] In July 2014, Thales unveiled a modification of the LMM that turns it into a [[glide bomb]], called the '''FreeFall LMM''' (FFLMM). Thales partnered with [[Textron]] to market it as the '''Fury''' for the U.S. market, who provides a height-of-burst sensor and electronic safe-and-arm device. The weapon had been in development for 18 months and undergone initial test drops in August 2013. In comparison to the LMM, the FFLMM removes the rocket motor and associated components while keeping the body and control actuators, as well as adding [[inertial navigation system]] and [[GPS]] navigation, semi-active laser guidance in place of the beam-riding system, and four enlarged fins for increased lift.

The bomb is not intended to replace larger munitions, but be used as a smaller and cheaper alternative to self-propelled missiles, with three bombs able to fit on a single [[Hellfire missile]] rail. It is {{cvt|70|cm|in}} long, weighs {{cvt|5.8|kg|lb}}, and uses a {{cvt|2|kg|lb}} dual-effect [[shaped charge]] and pre-fragmented blast warhead for use against armoured vehicles, small boats, and personnel, with an operational range of {{convert|4|km|mi|abbr=on}} when launched at {{cvt|10,000|ft|m}}. A potential role for the Fury could be to arm medium [[intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance]] (ISR) UAVs like the [[RQ-7 Shadow]] to deal with fleeting or time-sensitive targets.<ref>[http://aviationweek.com/farnborough-2014/thales-reveals-6-kg-glide-bomb-uavs Thales Reveals 6-Kg Glide Bomb For UAVs] - Aviationweek.com, 14 July 2015</ref><ref>{{citation |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/farnborough-textrons-big-hopes-for-its-small-guided-401461/ |title=Textron's big hopes for its small guided bomb |publisher=Flightglobal.com |date= 14 July 2014}}</ref><ref>[http://archive.defensenews.com/article/20140714/SHOWSCOUT15/307140016/Mini-Munitions-Drawing-Big-Attention Mini-Munitions Drawing Big Attention]{{dead link|date=August 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} - Defensenews.com, 14 July 2014</ref>

At [[DSEI|DSEI 2023]], it was shown that the British Army's [[M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System#British missiles|Dispensing Rocket Payload]] being developed for the [[M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System|GMLRS-ER]] and [[PrSM]] will utilise a variant of FFLMM as a kinetic effector for use against armoured vehicles alongside Lockheed Martin UK's Outrider [[Unmanned aerial vehicle|UAS]] for [[ISTAR]].<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Molinelli |first=Gabriele |date=14 September 2023 |title=The most exciting part is the "one launcher, many payloads" bit, more formally known as "Technical Demonstrator 5": UK-developed payload modules for GMLRS ER. The main focus right now is an anti-armour, smart area attack munition dispenser and a sensor/UAVs dispenser. |url=https://twitter.com/Gabriel64869839/status/1702439169883058195 |access-date=2023-09-24 |website=X (formerly Twitter) |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The Science Inside 2022 |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dstl-the-science-inside-2022/the-science-inside-2022 |access-date=2023-09-24 |website=GOV.UK |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-12-31 |title=Land Precision Strike - Think Defence |url=https://www.thinkdefence.co.uk/2022/12/land-precision-strike/ |access-date=2023-09-24 |website=www.thinkdefence.co.uk |language=en-GB}}</ref>

==Operational history== In July 2019, the Air Defence Troop of [[30 Commando Information Exploitation Group]] tested LMMs in a surface-to-air mode against [[Meggitt Banshee]] target drones.<ref>{{cite news |author= |date=4 July 2019 |title=Royal Marines Unleash New Lightweight Missiles |publisher=Royal Navy |url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2019/july/04/190704-royal-marines-missile-firing |access-date=5 July 2019}}</ref>

In May 2021, the Royal Navy deployed Martlet missiles for the first time as part of [[UK Carrier Strike Group 21]]. The missiles were carried by Wildcat HMA2 helicopters, four of which were deployed as part of the strike group.<ref name="ioc">{{cite news |last1=Scott |first1=Richard |title=RN Wildcats field new anti-surface guided weapons for CSG21 |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/rn-wildcats-field-new-anti-surface-guided-weapons-for-csg21 |access-date=20 October 2021 |work=[[Janes Information Services]] |date=24 May 2021}}</ref> The missiles were fired operationally for the first time in October 2021.<ref>{{cite news |title=Royal Navy Wildcat fires the first operational Martlet missile |url=https://www.navylookout.com/royal-navy-wildcat-fires-the-first-operational-martlet-missile/ |access-date=25 September 2022 |work=NavyLookout |date=22 October 2021}}</ref>

[[File:UA LMM Martlet 02.jpg|thumb|left|A Ukrainian soldier holding a LMM launcher]] Following the [[Russian invasion of Ukraine|2022 Russian Invasion of Ukraine]], the UK donated an unknown quantity of Martlet to the [[Ukrainian Armed Forces]] as part of a military aid package.<ref name="drone">{{Cite web |date=11 April 2022 |title=First Russian drone destroyed by a new British Martlet missile in Ukraine |url=https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/30717-russian-drone-destroyed-by-british-martlet-missile |access-date=11 April 2022 |website=www.aerotime.aero |publisher=AeroTime Hub}}</ref><ref name="martletukraine">{{cite news |last1=Ough |first1=Tom |date=12 April 2022 |title=Watch: Ukrainian soldiers shoot down Russian drone with British Martlet missile |work=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2022/04/12/watch-ukrainian-soldiers-shoot-russian-drone-british-martlet/ |access-date=12 April 2022}}</ref> They have been launched from MANPADS ([[man-portable air-defense system]]) shoulder launchers and also from the [[Alvis Stormer]] armoured air defence vehicle.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://mil.in.ua/en/news/the-stormer-hvm-air-defense-system-destroyed-air-targets-in-the-east-of-ukraine/ | title=The Stormer HVM air defense system destroyed air targets in the east of Ukraine }}</ref> In August 2024, a Ukrainian news source reported that the [[95th Air Assault Brigade]] had shot down a [[Kamov Ka-50#Ka-52 "Alligator"|Ka-52 "Alligator"]] attack helicopter using a Martlet.<ref>{{cite web |last=Tuzov |first=Bohdan |date=6 August 2024 |title=UK Increases Production of Martlet Missiles, Some Intended for Ukraine |url=https://www.kyivpost.com/post/36911 |website=www.kyivpost.com |location=Kyiv |publisher=Kyiv Post / BIZNESGRUPP TOV |access-date=11 September 2025}}</ref>

Martlet was used by a Royal Navy [[AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat|AW159 Wildcat helicopter]] to strike a retired [[US Navy]] frigate during a [[SINKEX]] (SINK EXercise) in September 2022 — the first time the missile had been used to strike a realistic target at sea, as opposed to purpose-built targets.<ref>{{cite news |title=British and American forces obliterate former US warship during impressive test of firepower |url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2022/september/23/220923--british-and-american-forces-obliterate-former-us-warship-during-impressive-test-of-firepower |access-date=23 September 2022 |work=[[Royal Navy]] |date=23 September 2022}}</ref>

In October 2022, LMM was successfully fired from Flyby Technology's Jackal drone (capable of carrying two missiles) during trials with the [[Royal Air Force]].<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5" /><ref name=":6" />

In July 2023, the Royal Navy further trialled Martlet from Wildcat helicopters over the course of two-weeks; during which, the first air-to-air firings of Martlet took place against a [[Meggitt Banshee|Banshee drone]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Allison |first=George |date=2023-07-28 |title=First Wildcat air-to-air firing trial with Martlet a success |url=https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/first-wildcat-air-to-air-firing-trial-with-martlet-a-success/ |access-date=2023-09-24 |language=en-GB}}</ref>

In September 2023, Taiwan placed an order for 160 Jackal drones from Flyby Technology. However it is unclear if they intend to use LMM from the platform.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last=Perry |first=Dominic |date=2023-09-15 |title=Jackal armed UAV scores first order with 160-unit Taiwan deal |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/defence/jackal-armed-uav-scores-first-order-with-160-unit-taiwan-deal/154979.article |access-date=2023-12-12 |website=Flight Global |language=en}}</ref>

In November 2023, the UK's Army Warfighting Experiment (Urban) saw both the British Army and Royal Air Force trialling a variety of technologies to exploit future urban combat; this included both LMM and FFLMM among other weapons (e.g. [[Brimstone (missile)|Brimstone]]) and payloads integrated onto the Hydra 400 and other UAVs.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=White |first=Andrew |date=2023-12-18 |title=British Army runs armed drone test campaign to assess urban warfare strike options |url=https://breakingdefense.sites.breakingmedia.com/2023/12/british-army-runs-armed-drone-test-campaign-to-assess-urban-warfare-strike-options/ |access-date=2023-12-19 |website=Breaking Defense |language=en-US}}</ref>

In July 2024, it was reported that the British Army planned to order 12 [[URO VAMTAC]] vehicles and equip them with LMMs as a replacement for the six [[Alvis Stormer]] vehicles donated to Ukraine.<ref name="VAMTAC">{{cite news |title=UK plans to procure VAMTAC air-defence vehicles to replace Stormers donated to Ukraine |url=https://www.janes.com/osint-insights/defence-news/land/uk-plans-to-procure-vamtac-air-defence-vehicles-to-replace-stormers-donated-to-ukraine |access-date=13 July 2024 |work=[[Janes Information Services]] |date=12 July 2024}}</ref>

In July 2024, Britain ordered £167 million of Martlet missiles to replace the hundreds that were previously gifted to Ukraine.<ref name=forcesnews-20240724>{{cite news |url=https://www.forcesnews.com/technology/weapons-and-kit/combat-vehicles-and-wildcats-be-armed-ps167m-worth-lightweight-multirole |title=Wildcats and Stormers to get munitions replen after missiles sent to Ukraine |last=Candlin |first=Alex |website=Forces News |date=24 July 2024 |access-date=12 March 2026}}</ref> In September 2024, the UK pledged at a [[Ukraine Defense Contact Group]] meeting to send 650 newly manufactured Martlet missiles to Ukraine at a cost of £162 million, with delivery starting in late 2024.<ref name=bbc-20240906>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cjw3x8926l6o |title=UK to send hundreds more missiles to Ukraine |last=Khalil |first=Hafsa |work=BBC News |date=6 September 2024 |access-date=6 September 2024}}</ref><ref name=mod-20240906>{{cite news |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-to-provide-162-million-package-of-air-defence-missiles-for-ukraine-as-defence-secretary-meets-international-partners |title=UK to provide £162 million package of air defence missiles for Ukraine as Defence Secretary meets international partners |publisher=Ministry of Defence |via=gov.uk |date=6 September 2024 |access-date=6 September 2024}}</ref>

On 2 November 2024, the Royal Navy announced a successful trial with Wildcat helicopter crew which saw the first time a Wildcat had detected, tracked, and engaged a drone without any outside assistance.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2 November 2024 |title=The Royal Navy has enhanced its ability to thwart drone attack after helicopter crews downed a pilotless aircraft off the Welsh coast. |url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news/2024/november/02/20241102-martlet-air-to-air |access-date=2 November 2024 |website=Royal Navy}}</ref>

Full combat readiness was announced in October 2025.<ref>{{cite web |title=Supersonic missile fully ready for front-line action |url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news/2025/october/18/20251017--supersonic-missile-fully-ready-for-front-line-action |website=Royal Navy |access-date=17 November 2025 |date=18 October 2025}}</ref>

In March 2026, a further 5,000 Martlet missiles for Ukraine were ordered at an initial cost of £1.16 billion, which averages £232,000 per missile system, with a potential further £500 million for additional work with a Ukrainian industry partner to manufacture launchers and command and control vehicles.<ref name=bbc-20260302a>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c74knzk9x8zo |title=Belfast factory to supply 5,000 missiles to Ukraine |last=Campbell |first=John |work=BBC News |date=2 March 2026 |access-date=21 March 2026}}</ref> This deal is the large part of a £1.6 billion missile export finance loan to Ukraine announced by Prime Minister [[Keir Starmer]] on 2 March 2026, which in turn is part of a £3.5 billion of export finance for Ukraine to acquire UK military equipment.<ref name=bbc-20260302b>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cy4vevpv14vo |title=Starmer announces £1.6bn missile deal for Ukraine |last=McKiernan |first=Jennifer |work=BBC News |date=2 March 2026 |access-date=21 March 2026}}</ref><ref name=fn-20260303>{{cite news |url=https://www.forcesnews.com/ukraine/mission-capable-uk-giving-thousands-more-lightweight-multirole-missiles-ukraine |title=17:06:46 GMT 2026 24 July 2024 https://www.forcesnews.com/technology/weapons-and-kit/comb |website=Forces News |date=3 March 2026 |access-date=21 March 2026}}</ref>

In March 2026, Martlet armed Wildcat helicopters were sent to Cyprus following [[2026 drone strikes on Akrotiri and Dhekelia|drone strikes on the British Akrotiri and Dhekelia bases]] to improve drone defence.<ref name=bbc-20260303>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c3wlzv0pl1lo |title=Military helicopters deployed to shoot down drones |last=Swallow |first=Bea |work=BBC News |date=3 March 2026 |access-date=12 March 2026}}</ref>

In March 2026, [[RAF Regiment]] gunners deployed with [[Rapid Sentry]] short range air defence systems to the Middle East. The system consists of [[Giraffe radar|SAAB Giraffe X1]] radars, [[electronic warfare]] nodes and Martlet missiles.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Morton |first=Mike |date=2026-03-19 |title=Rapid Sentry: The RAF Regiment's missile system that's used to shoot down drones |url=https://www.forcesnews.com/epic-fury/rapid-sentry-raf-regiments-missile-system-thats-used-shoot-down-drones |access-date=2026-03-23 |website=www.forcesnews.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lerouvillois |title=UK Deploys ORCUS, NINJA and Rapid Sentry Counter-Drone System to Protect RAF Airbases |url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/news/army-news/2026/uk-deploys-orcus-ninja-and-rapid-sentry-counter-drone-system-to-protect-raf-airbases |access-date=2026-03-23 |website=www.armyrecognition.com |language=en-us}}</ref> The [[The Sun (United Kingdom)|Sun]] newspaper stated that the system had accounted for almost 50 drones intercepts made by the RAF over Iraq in 2026.{{cn|date=April 2026}}

==Operators== [[File:Martlet Users.png|thumb|Map with Martlet users in blue]]

=== Current operators === * {{flag|Saudi Arabia}} - Fielded as part of the Shikra air defence system.<ref name="saudi">{{cite news |title=WDS 2022: MBDA, SAMI sign agreement on missile maintenance |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/wds-2022-mbda-sami-sign-agreement-on-missile-maintenance |access-date=5 February 2023 |work=[[Janes Information Services]] |date=10 March 2022}}</ref> * {{UK}} - 1,000 missiles on order, deployed operationally with helicopters since May 2021; full operating capability from October 2025.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.navylookout.com/full-operating-capability-declared-for-royal-navy-martlet-missile/|title=Full Operating Capability declared for Royal Navy Martlet Missile |website=Navy Lookout |date=18 October 2025 |access-date=19 October 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Allison |first=George |date=23 July 2023 |title=Martlet achieves progress in operating capabilities |url=https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/martlet-achieves-progress-in-operating-capabilities/ |website=UK Defence Journal}}</ref>

* {{flag|Ukraine}} - Used in the surface-to-air role by Ukrainian forces during the [[Russo-Ukrainian War]].<ref>{{cite tweet|number=1513083814410694664|user=UAWeapons|title=#Ukraine: The first video of a UK-supplied Martlet multirole missile - not a Starstreak as widely claimed - in action with the Ukrainian troops. As reported, it took out a Russian Orlan-10 UAV and this appears credible given the reaction, but we cannot see precisely what was hit. https://t.co/i6sP6649h6|author=🇺🇦 Ukraine Weapons Tracker|date=10 April 2022|access-date=24 April 2022|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220423110450/https://twitter.com/UAWeapons/status/1513083814410694664|archive-date=23 April 2022|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="bbc-20240906" /> 650 missiles were initially ordered by the UK MoD for Ukraine, followed by an additional order of 5,000 missiles in March 2025.<ref name="marchorder">{{cite news |title=Historic £1.6bn deal provides thousands of air defence missiles for Ukraine and boosts UK jobs and growth |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/historic-16bn-deal-provides-thousands-of-air-defence-missiles-for-ukraine-and-boosts-uk-jobs-and-growth |access-date=3 March 2025 |work=[[GOV.UK]] |date=2 March 2025}}</ref> * {{flag|Indonesia}} - Ordered in June 2014.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Nick |date=25 June 2014 |title=DVD 2014: Indonesian SAMs break cover, promising enhanced anti-UAV capability |url=http://www.janes.com/article/40043/dvd-2014-indonesian-sams-break-cover-promising-enhanced-anti-uav-capability |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140707005148/http://www.janes.com/article/40043/dvd-2014-indonesian-sams-break-cover-promising-enhanced-anti-uav-capability |archive-date=7 July 2014 |access-date=6 November 2022 |website=janes.com}}</ref> Unknown numbers.<ref>{{cite news |date=18 April 2022 |title=The mortal enemy of fighter jets to drones, these are the three air defense missiles belonging to the Indonesian Army |url=https://bangka.tribunnews.com/2022/04/18/musuh-bebuyutan-jet-tempur-hingga-drone-inilah-tiga-rudal-pertahanan-udara-milik-tni-ad?page=all |access-date=23 September 2022 |work=BANGKAPOS |language=Indonesian}}</ref> Seen on exercise with Yonarhanud-14 (14th Air Defence Artillery Battalion) in March 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-04-02 |title=LMM Martlet, Rudal Hanud Multi-Misi Terbaru Yang Dimiliki Indonesia? |url=https://www.hobbymiliter.com/12589/lmm-martlet-rudal-hanud-multi-misi-terbaru-yang-dimiliki-indonesia/ |access-date=2025-11-03 |website=HobbyMiliter.com |language=id}}</ref>

=== Future operators === * {{flag|India}} - An order, worth $468 million, has been placed on 9 October 2025 and is to be manufactured at [[Belfast]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-10-09 |title=India, UK sign $468m-missile deal: All you need to know about Martlets; how it will boost defence |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-uk-sign-468m-missile-deal-all-you-need-to-know-about-martlets-how-it-will-boost-defence/articleshow/124412109.cms |access-date=2025-10-09 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Philip |first=Snehesh Alex |date=2025-10-09 |title=India, UK sign £350 mn deal for Martlet. What are these Lightweight Multirole Missiles |url=https://theprint.in/defence/india-uk-sign-350-mn-deal-for-martlet-what-are-these-lightweight-multirole-missiles/2760748/ |access-date=2025-10-09 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}}</ref>

* {{TWN}} - Purchased 160 LMM capable Jackal drones in September 2023.<ref name=":7" />

=== Potential operators === * {{flag|Portugal}} - To be purchased alongside [[Starstreak]] missiles for use by the [[URO VAMTAC]] Rapid Ranger system, as part of a wider air defense modernisation program.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Thales UK Wins Portuguese Contract for RapidRanger Air Defense Systems |url=https://militarnyi.com/en/news/thales-uk-wins-portuguese-contract-for-rapidranger-air-defense-systems/ |access-date=2025-10-10 |website=Militarnyi |language=en-US}}</ref>

==See also== * {{lwc|Sea Venom (missile)}} - FASGW(H) * {{lwc|CRV7#Guided version|CRV7-PG}} * {{lwc|Hermes (missile)}} * {{lwc|Hydra 70#Precision guided Hydra 70|Precision guided derivatives of Hydra 70 rocket}} * {{lwc|Roketsan Cirit}} * [[List of missiles]]

==References== {{Reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Lightweight Multirole Missile}} [[Category:Guided missiles of the United Kingdom]] [[Category:United Kingdom defence procurement]] [[Category:Military equipment introduced in the 2020s]]