MBDA conducted the first firing trial of the Brimstone 3 missile in Sweden. Credit: © MBDA.

MBDA has completed the first firing trial of the Brimstone 3 ultra-high precision missile system at the Vidsel Trials range in Sweden.

The firing represents a major milestone for the Brimstone 3 missile system, which is the result of the Brimstone Capability Sustainment Programme (CSP) announced in March last year.

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The programme seeks to provide new Brimstone missiles for the British Armed Forces to replenish the country’s inventory. The missiles will preserve the UK’s battlefield edge while also enabling the country to meet current and future export supply needs.

During the trial, the missile was surface launched against a pick-up truck target.

The surface to surface capability demonstration was conducted in extreme weather conditions with temperatures below -30°C.

According to MBDA, the Brimstone 3 missile met all trial objectives. Through a telemetry unit, the missile proved full closed-loop guidance with the seeker progressing into target acquisition and track.

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“The firing trial builds on the advanced guidance and targeting abilities developed during the Brimstone programme.”

MBDA chief engineer Russell Jamieson said: “The trial further proves Brimstone’s fully flexible platform approach, providing a ‘one missile, multiple platform’ capability, for surface launch, fast jet, remotely piloted air systems (RPAS), attack helicopter, land and maritime platforms, all utilising the same missile.

“The result really was a tremendous success, and thanks to the hard work and determination of the whole team.”

The firing trial builds on the advanced guidance and targeting abilities developed during the Brimstone programme.

It comes after the company carried out several operational firings against targets in structures, main battle tanks / armoured vehicles, maritime vessels, trucks, fast moving and manoeuvring cars / motorbikes and individual targets in the open.

MBDA performed spiral upgrades of Brimstone over the recent years, which include the dual mode semi-active laser (SAL) / millimetric wave (mmW) seeker, enhanced autopilot, and the new insensitive munition compliant rocket motor and warhead.

These upgrades will enhance the performance capabilities of Brimstone against challenging targets.

Last month, a British Royal Air Force Typhoon FGR4 jet deployed Brimstone for the first time.

The weapon system was used to destroy assets belonging to terrorist organisations in Syria.