The RN’s Lightweight Multirole Missile (LMM), known in service as Martlet, is now fully operational following an intensive series of live-fire trials proving its effectiveness against aerial and surface threats. This is the culmination of several years of development and the weapon now forms a key part of the Wildcat helicopter’s armament.
Made by Thales in Belfast, Martlet can accelerate to more than Mach 1.5 and is laser-guided by the helicopter’s crew, designed to strike small, fast-moving targets. Despite its compact size and relatively low cost, the missile is agile and accurate, making it ideal for engaging UAVs, USVs and other small targets.
Initial testing at the Aberporth ranges in Cardigan Bay saw Martlet launched from Wildcats against uncrewed surface targets built to mimic small attack craft. After destroying those targets, the aircraft redeployed to southern France to participate in NATO’s Exercise Wildfire off the Côte d’Azur, held from 29 September to 2 October. The French-led exercise, brought together a group comprising of destroyers FS Forbin and FS Lorraine, a civilian support ship, Atlantique and Rafale aircraft supported by Dauphin and NH90 helicopters joined by the RN Wildcat.
The Martlet was tested against multiple airborne and surface threats by day and night. The Wildcats fired 4 Martlets and achieved direct hits on 4 targets, working alongside French Navy Panther and NH-90 helicopters and Rafale jets. The missile was used to destroy as small USV and an Alba UAS target drone while defending the French warships. The exercise was designed to prove the Martlet’s complete end-to-end kill chain and integrate when operating with allies.
Tooled up. 815 NAS aircrew operating from Hyeres (near Toulon) for exercise Wildfire.
Thales has just signed a £350 million export LMM to the Indian Army, supporting around 700 jobs in Northern Ireland and underlining the growing international demand for the British-made system. Several hundred Martlet missiles have also been delivered to Ukraine ahead of schedule under the UK’s military assistance programme.
Martlet joins the heavier Sea Venom missile, which achieved initial operating capability earlier this month, to form a complementary weapons suite for the Wildcat. Together, they extend the helicopter’s ability to counter threats ranging from small uncrewed boats to corvette-sized warships. Crews also tested the .50 calibre M3M machine gun during the same trials to refine tactics for close-range engagements.
The trials have been described as the most comprehensive yet for the Wildcat Maritime Force, validating the aircraft’s weapon systems in challenging conditions and confirming the LMM’s readiness for operational deployment.
Pilot’s view of Martlet accelerating away after launch.