DEPLOYED

Brimstone 3 (AI Seeker)

GB — MBDA
AI Targeting
DEPLOYED
2016

Description

Advanced air-launched anti-armor missile with dual-mode millimeter wave and semi-active laser seeker using AI target discrimination. Can autonomously select and engage targets from a pre-designated group.

Brimstone 3 incorporates lessons from extensive combat use in Syria and Libya, where the dual-mode seeker proved highly effective at discriminating moving vehicles in complex urban environments from background clutter. Its autonomous salvo mode allows a single aircraft to ripple-fire multiple missiles in rapid succession against a dispersed target set with each missile autonomously acquiring its own target. The missile's sub-meter accuracy and small warhead have made it a preferred weapon for close air support in urban environments where minimizing collateral damage is a priority.

Notable Use

Deployed by RAF Typhoons; used in Syria against ISIS; supplied to Ukraine 2022

Related Systems

Investment Implications

MBDA is a joint venture of BAE Systems (BA.L), Airbus (AIR.PA), and Leonardo (LDO.MI), all publicly traded. BAE Systems and Airbus have the largest MBDA ownership stakes.