MBDA unveiled SPEAR GLIDE, a new low-cost glide-variant of its SPEAR family designed to enable high platform load-outs, massed effects, and rapid stockpile expansion. The company showcased the weapon at DSEI UK 2025 and emphasized that SPEAR GLIDE is optimised for high-rate production using commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components while preserving high accuracy through image-based navigation for GNSS-denied environments.
Low Cost, High Combat Mass — A Complementary Option to SPEAR and SPEAR-EW
SPEAR GLIDE is positioned as a cost-effective complement to the turbojet-powered SPEAR and the electronic-warfare variant SPEAR-EW. By removing the propulsion element and using alternative production lines and COTS parts, the Glide variant reduces unit cost and complexity while enabling larger aircraft load-outs for saturation and mass-effect strikes. This approach lowers acquisition risk and shortens the path to entry-into-service.
Digital-First Development and AI-Enabled Navigation
SPEAR GLIDE was developed using MBDA’s digital-twin modelling and real-world SPEAR performance data, accelerating the concept-to-assessment timeline. The weapon integrates image-based navigation — supported by onboard artificial intelligence — to maintain performance in GPS-denied or contested environments. These design choices aim to preserve precision strike capability while keeping production scalable and affordable.
Operational Role and Platform Fit
As a versatile precision-strike and SEAD asset, SPEAR GLIDE is intended to engage a broad spectrum of static and mobile targets, including soft and moderately hardened sites. Its fire-and-forget modes and reduced logistics burden make it suitable for 4th- and 5th-generation aircraft where high sortie-level load-outs and rapid replenishment are priorities. MBDA also highlighted that the weapon leverages existing SPEAR infrastructure (loaders, storage, and integration solutions) to reduce fielding risk.
MBDA Perspective
Eric Béranger, CEO of MBDA, said: “SPEAR GLIDE embodies MBDA’s commitment to a comprehensive, efficient, integrated weapons portfolio. By offering a lower-cost, higher mass option that fits seamlessly into our family of systems, we are enhancing flexibility and value for sovereign capabilities.”
