Lockheed MHTK completes engineering demo
In an engineering demonstration at the White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, Lockheed Martin’s miniature hit-to-kill (MHTK) interceptor was successfully launched from a multi mission launcher (MML), the company announced on 5 April.
The launch demonstrated the aerodynamic capability and agility of the MHTK missile, which aims to defeat rocket, artillery and mortar (RAM) targets beyond the range of current and interim interceptor systems. The MHTK weighs 5lbs and is just over 61cm in length. The compact size allows multiple rounds of MHTK to be packaged in a single MML tube.
The MHTK uses Hit-to-Kill technology, which uses kinetic energy and body-to-body contact to eliminate threats and aims to remove the risk of collateral damage present in conventional blast fragment interceptors.
Hal Stuart, MHTK program manager, Lockheed Martin, said: ‘This test is a critical milestone demonstrating the interceptor’s maturity, and we look forward to continuing to build on this success using key data gathered from today’s launch.’
The MML is a part of the US Army’s Indirect Fire Protection Capability Increment 2 – Intercept programme, which is designed to protect the forces from RAM threats, UAS and cruise missiles.
More from Land Warfare
-
NATO looks for answers to overcome standards hurdles and improve procurement
NATO is looking to artificial intelligence to provide integration between different C2 systems to create a common operational picture, potentially offering a faster route to interoperability than the slow-moving processes of NATO standards committees.
-
NATO FUSE exercise plays out real-world scenario in the face of eastern border risks
The large-scale exercise in Latvia was the culmination of three experimentation initiatives to see how platforms, weapons and systems could fit into the alliance’s Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative. As well as forces, it brought together companies and equipment.
-
Euronaval 2026: faster frigates, evolving contracts and drone motherships lead opening conference
Fast frigate deliveries to the Hellenic Navy, French pressure on suppliers over open architectures and calls for new classes of warship marked the start of the Paris show.
-
Canada accelerates uncrewed aerial system procurement for NATO and Arctic forces
Canada plans to acquire at least 120 uncrewed aerial systems through two competitions with combined funding ceilings of C$32 million.