Testing of new Stinger fuze complete
The US Army has completed qualification testing for a new proximity fuze that enhances the Stinger missile, Raytheon announced on 9 October.
Stinger recently underwent testing at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, where the upgraded weapon system scored a 100% hit rate against a variety of targets. The missiles were shoulder-and vehicle-launched.
With qualification testing complete, the army can now move towards near-term fielding under an urgent materiel release. Plans call for the new proximity fuze to be integrated into Stinger missiles as part of a Service Life Extension Program to be conducted at the army’s ammunition plant in McAlester, Oklahoma.
The new proximity fuze enables the lightweight, self-contained air defence system to destroy a wide range of battlefield threats such as enemy UAS by detonating the missile’s warhead near the target, while maintaining its hit-to-kill capability.
The Stinger missile can be rapidly deployed by ground troops and on military platforms, including the Apache attack helicopter.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![Companies downselected for British Army vehicle programme]()
Companies downselected for British Army vehicle programme
It is believed that three companies did not make the downselect but a dark horse in Spain’s Iturri is believed to have got through.
-
![Air defence offerings multiply in anticipation of emerging requirements]()
Air defence offerings multiply in anticipation of emerging requirements
Air defence and counter-drone weapons continue to be developed, tested and demonstrated in anticipation of growing demand, with most solutions designed to be platform-agnostic and readily integrated onto suitable platforms.
-
![September land forces roundup: DVD 2026 puts British Army requirements in the spotlight]()
September land forces roundup: DVD 2026 puts British Army requirements in the spotlight
The US Army began its search for a 155mm tracked mobile tactical cannon in an effort that Shephard forecasts could be worth billions of dollars. Meanwhile, the UK DVD exhibition saw companies showcase their offerings for the British Army’s mobility and air defence requirements.
-
![FNSS advances Indonesian Kaplan APC programme as local production expands]()
FNSS advances Indonesian Kaplan APC programme as local production expands
FNSS and PT Pindad are progressing the Indonesian tracked armoured personnel carrier programme as local production gets under way.
