The UK Ministry of Defence is preparing to place an additional order for Thales-produced Martlet Lightweight Multirole Missiles as demand for air-launched counter-drone capability increases as a result of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The Martlet missile, produced by Thales in Belfast, has recently been deployed to RAF Akrotiri, where it is being used by Royal Navy Leonardo Wildcat helicopters to defend against drone threats.
Air-launched counter-drone role expands
Wildcat helicopters operating from Cyprus are equipped with Martlet missiles to counter one-way attack drones, including those launched during recent Iranian retaliatory strikes in the region.
The precision-guided missile is designed to engage small aerial targets and has been positioned as part of the UK’s layered response to increasing drone activity.
Announcing the move on March 18, the Ministry of Defence said:
“The UK intends to buy further Lightweight Multirole Missiles, to supply British forces and support partners in the [Middle East] region, including with training in the UK where needed.”
The MoD added that the system has “already proven highly capable for air defence in the Middle East,” although it did not provide further operational details.
Deployment at Akrotiri
Three Wildcat HMA2 helicopters were deployed earlier this month to RAF Akrotiri, alongside a Leonardo AW101 Merlin configured for airborne surveillance and control under the Crowsnest system.
Each Wildcat can carry up to 10 Martlet missiles using dual five-round launchers mounted on its weapons wings, providing a mobile platform for short-range air defense.
The missile can reach speeds of up to Mach 1.5 and has a reported range of between 3 and 5 nautical miles. According to the Royal Navy, it is “highly manoeuvrable and remarkably lethal.”
Broader operational use
The Martlet system was declared fully operational with the Wildcat by the Royal Navy in late 2025 and has also been supplied to Ukraine, where it has been used to strengthen counter-drone defenses.
The expanded procurement comes as the UK increases its military presence in the region. According to the Ministry of Defence, Eurofighter Typhoon and Lockheed Martin F-35B aircraft have been conducting defensive air patrols over Qatar, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan and the Eastern Mediterranean.
These operations are supported by Airbus A330 Voyager refueling aircraft, enabling sustained air presence.
On March 16, the MoD said British pilots had accumulated more than 550 flight hours conducting defensive counter-air missions since the escalation of the Iran conflict on February 28.
“The UK now has more jets in the region than at any period in the past 15 years,” the MoD said, referring to deployments at RAF Akrotiri and a joint Typhoon squadron in Qatar.
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Post Image Credit: Royal Navy
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