Martlet: Everything you need to know about the best-in-class warhead

The Martlet missile made its operational debut on Royal Navy Wildcat helicopters in 2021, giving the Senior Service aircraft their teeth.

It can be launched from the shoulder, a static launcher or a vehicle, uses a laser targeting system, travels at a speed of Mach 1.5 and is released from the Wildcat in 0.3 seconds.

In the video above, Philip McBride, managing director of Thales Belfast, the company responsible for manufacturing the weapon, explained to BFBS Forces News why the missile is so effective.

• Wildcat and Martlet: The combination providing a ring of steel around warships
• Jackal drone used to launch Martlet missiles for first time during trials
• Army Wildcats and Apaches team up with US to play hide and seek with opposing force