At DSEI 2025 in London, MBDA introduced a new variant of its Selective Precision Effects At Range (SPEAR) family—the SPEAR Glide. This unpowered glide munition is tailored for electronic warfare (EW) missions and expands the UK’s options for non-kinetic suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD) and denial operations. The system represents a significant evolution in stand-off munitions optimized for networked, multi-domain operations.
SPEAR Glide: A Non-Kinetic Evolution of the SPEAR Family
The SPEAR Glide is a derivative of MBDA’s broader SPEAR program—originally developed to provide the Royal Air Force with a compact powered stand-off weapon capable of engaging targets at ranges exceeding 140 km. Unlike its turbojet-powered sibling (SPEAR 3), the new Glide variant lacks propulsion but retains critical features such as networked datalinks and modular payloads.
According to MBDA officials at DSEI 2025, the SPEAR Glide is designed primarily for EW effects delivery rather than kinetic strikes. It can carry payloads such as digital radio frequency memory (DRFM) jammers or decoy systems to disrupt or deceive enemy integrated air defense systems (IADS). The munition uses pop-out wings and tail fins to achieve extended glide range when released from high-speed platforms like the Eurofighter Typhoon or F-35B.
The absence of an engine not only reduces cost and complexity but also allows carriage of more rounds per sortie—potentially enabling saturation tactics against radar arrays or SAM batteries without risking high-value assets.
Mission Profile and Tactical Role
The primary role envisioned for SPEAR Glide is in SEAD/DEAD missions where it can be used to blind or confuse surface-to-air missile systems prior to kinetic engagement. Its non-kinetic payload means it can be employed earlier in a mission timeline without escalating conflict thresholds associated with traditional munitions.
MBDA has hinted that multiple variants are under consideration—including versions optimized for GNSS spoofing, radar jamming across multiple bands (X/S/C), or even cyber payload delivery via RF injection techniques. While these capabilities remain unconfirmed publicly, they align with broader NATO trends toward multi-effect munitions that combine ISR denial with soft-kill effects.
In addition to SEAD/DEAD roles, SPEAR Glide could support strike package escort missions by creating corridors through contested airspace or serve as part of distributed EW swarms launched from unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs).
Platform Integration and Loadout Flexibility
SPEAR Glide shares form factor compatibility with other members of the SPEAR family—facilitating integration on existing launchers such as MBDA’s Smart Stores Release System (SSRS). This allows mixed loadouts on platforms like:
- Eurofighter Typhoon: Up to 12+ gliders per sortie using multiple quad-pack launchers underwing.
- F-35B Lightning II: Internal carriage possible depending on configuration; external quad racks likely preferred for saturation roles.
The weapon’s datalink architecture supports in-flight retasking via Link-16 or proprietary waveforms—a critical feature when operating in dynamic threat environments where radar emitters may shift locations or change modes rapidly.
Differentiation from Other EW Munitions
SPEAR Glide enters a growing field of non-kinetic effectors aimed at degrading adversary ISR and IADS networks. Comparable systems include Raytheon’s MALD-J (Miniature Air-Launched Decoy – Jammer) used by the U.S., which also employs DRFM-based jamming techniques but lacks modular payload flexibility.
A key differentiator is MBDA’s emphasis on open architecture and modularity—allowing rapid adaptation to emerging threats without redesigning entire airframes. Moreover, European customers may prefer a sovereign alternative not reliant on U.S.-controlled export regimes like ITAR.
Development Timeline and Procurement Outlook
SPEAR Glide is currently undergoing advanced development within MBDA’s UK portfolio under internal R&D funding with support from Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S). No formal production contract has been announced yet; however, RAF officials have expressed interest in expanding their EW toolbox beyond traditional escort jamming pods like ASQ-239 or ALQ-series systems.
An initial flight test campaign is expected by mid-to-late 2026 using instrumented rounds launched from Typhoon testbeds out of RAF Coningsby. If successful, low-rate initial production could begin by late 2027 aligned with Project CENTURION upgrades for Typhoon Tranche 3 aircraft.
Strategic Implications for NATO Air Forces
The introduction of SPEAR Glide reflects broader doctrinal shifts toward distributed lethality and spectrum dominance in contested environments. As Russian and Chinese IADS grow increasingly mobile and survivable—with multi-layered defenses integrating S-400/S-500-class systems—the ability to deliver precision non-lethal effects becomes essential for shaping battlespace access conditions prior to kinetic strikes.
NATO forces are increasingly investing in complementary tools such as expendable decoys, loitering munitions with EW payloads (e.g., Hero-120EW), and AI-enabled mission planning software that can orchestrate multi-wave attacks combining kinetic/non-kinetic assets. In this context, SPEAR Glide offers an interoperable component that fits into future kill webs emphasizing tempo over mass alone.
Conclusion
SPEAR Glide represents a pragmatic evolution within MBDA’s portfolio—offering NATO air forces an affordable way to saturate enemy defenses with disruptive effects while minimizing risk to manned platforms. Its modular design philosophy aligns well with modern doctrine emphasizing adaptability across peer-threat scenarios. As testing progresses over the next two years, attention will turn toward integration timelines—and whether allied nations beyond the UK may adopt this capability into their own force structures.
