U.S. defense contractor Northrop Grumman Corporation successfully launched two GQM-163A “Coyote” supersonic sea-skimming targets during the NATO Formidable Shield 2025 demonstration. The launches took place at the Hebrides Launch Facility in Scotland, forming a crucial part of the multinational exercise designed to test and improve allied anti-ship cruise missile defense systems.
Organized biennially, NATO Formidable Shield is a large-scale, three-week air and missile defense exercise involving live-fire engagements against both subsonic and supersonic threats. Participating forces include naval ships, aircraft, and ground-based platforms from across the alliance, all networked to operate in a synchronized multi-domain environment.
“Our GQM-163A target is the only supersonic sea-skimming threat simulator manufactured in the U.S.,” said a Northrop Grumman spokesperson. “It is a program of record for the U.S. Navy and offers allied nations a cost-effective, high-performance solution for realistic threat simulation.”
Realistic Threat Simulation for Operational Readiness
The GQM-163A is designed to emulate advanced adversary anti-ship cruise missiles, flying at supersonic speeds just above sea level. This allows participating navies to rehearse engagement procedures under the most demanding scenarios. Northrop Grumman’s solutions are known for being highly configurable to replicate specific threat profiles, enhancing the training value for allied forces.
Northrop Grumman has participated in three consecutive Formidable Shield exercises since 2021, supporting NATO and partner nations with reliable, threat-representative target vehicles that replicate real-world missile dynamics.
Strengthening Allied Interoperability
Formidable Shield 2025 underscores NATO’s commitment to collective defense and integrated air and missile defense (IAMD). The exercise enables allies to assess interoperability, test new capabilities, and refine coordination mechanisms under live combat-like conditions.
Northrop Grumman’s involvement reflects its strategic alignment with NATO’s evolving defense needs and highlights the company’s global role in preparing militaries for future conflicts.
About the GQM-163A “Coyote”
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Type: Supersonic Sea-Skimming Target
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Top Speed: Mach 2.5+
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Altitude: Low-altitude flight profile (~15 meters above sea level)
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Purpose: Simulates advanced anti-ship cruise missiles
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Used by: U.S. Navy, NATO allies
