British Navy's new lightweight multi-role Missile Martlet is being tested. It can quickly respond to various surface threats. This versatile missile is capable of firing from both air and sea platforms. It can also be integrated onto unmanned aircraft.
Martlets are capable delivering large warheads which enable them to penetrate targets further away. The range of the Martlets is also longer than that of the Royal Navy's 30mm cannons. They can be fitted in a variety of blast effects and used to target sensitive targets.
Martlets come equipped with a proximity sensor that can detect lasers and trigger small fragmentation warheads. In the terminal phase, the missile switches to an imaging infrared seeker to ensure it will hit the target. This makes them virtually impossible decoys. The missile will switch to a higher-power module if the laser beam is interrupted.
In 2021, the UK is expected to adopt the Martlet into its arsenal. It isn't known when, however. Despite its capability, the missile could have some drawbacks. These should be considered in planning combat sorties. It lacks a visible warning system that is effective. It is difficult to determine which aircraft or vessel is being launched if there isn't proper visibility. For example, a missile could shoot down a helicopter or boat. However, it is hard to know if this is actually happening.
Martlets aren't necessarily the only lightweight multirole rocket in existence. The MBDA Sea Venom also has twice the range as the Martlet. Another missile, the MBDA Starburst, was developed to shoot down unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Thales Lightweight Multi-role Missiles (LMM) is another example.
They were deployed to Ukraine where they were reportedly used by Ukrainian troops in a real conflict. Martlet MANPADS or light-guided Anti-Aircraft Missiles are not widely used in the UK army. However they have been delivered in various military units so there is a chance that they will be available in time for the next conflict.
Martlets were created originally to protect against swarming boat attacks. They are also capable of protecting against UAVs, and other unspecified aircraft. They also have a longer range than standard 30mm cannons that are limited in their ability engage targets simultaneously. Because of their high flight speeds, they have a longer range. These missiles also carry telemetry, which helps measure the accuracy of their launches.
Martlets have a range up to eight kilometers. They can also be fired from air or sea platforms. They can be mounted on five- or seven-tube clusters, and they can be used from shoulder-fired or side-mounted cannons. They are being used on Wildcat helicopters of the Royal Navy. Currently, Martlets have been tested on HMS Sutherland. During the test, four Martlets were fired from a quintuple-mount on the ship's 30mm cannon.
Martlets' launchers are very similar to the Starstreak portable anti-missile defense missile. Martlets can be fired using a remote-controlled gun.