Enforcer is a lightweight, high precision missile system developed by MBDA Missile Systems to meet the requirements of the infantry and Special Forces. The fire-and-forget missile has the capability to destroy lightly-armoured and soft-skinned targets.
MBDA started the development of the Enforcer compact missile system in 2014, upon completion of a demonstration programme. Developed under a German-led, multi-national MBDA programme, Enforcer is one of the largest self-financed projects of MBDA.
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The development phase included multiple guided firings trails at the German Bundeswehr’s Technical Center for Weapons and Ammunition 91 in November 2016. Enforcer missiles successfully destroyed targets at ranges between 1,000m and 2,000m and the accuracy of the missile’s homing head was also proved during the tests.
In December 2019, MBDA signed a contract with Germany to supply Enforcer missile systems for use by the German Armed Forces. Germany selected the missile to meet its Leichtes Wirkmittel 1800+ requirement. The weapon system is expected to complement the German Army’s existing Wirkmittel 90 infantry weapon.
Enforcer ‘fire-and-forget’ missile details
Enforcer is a 2km-class disposable shoulder-launched guided munition, which provides stand-off capability for forces while engaging targets on the battlefield. The cost-efficient missile system ensures minimal exposure to the operator. The modular design further supports future development options, including the possibility of offering Enforcer munitions family for air, land and sea applications.
The high-precision missile system can be used against mobile or stationary targets. It offers an improved target range and effective performance in engaging targets when compared to heavy machine guns and grenade launchers.
The missile weighs less than 7kg and the system along with sight and two munitions weighs less than 20kg. The combined weight of the missile and the launch tube is less than 9kg. The weapon can engage targets within the range between 1,000m and 2,000m.
One of the missiles tested during the trails employed a modern lightweight, carbon-fibre launching tube.
Enforcer missile capabilities
Enforcer possesses increased capabilities than the existing infantry weapon systems. The missile is equipped with a lock-on before launch (LOBL) feature. It is also effective against hidden targets due to its airburst capabilities.
Enforcer has the capacity to perform day and night operations and displays firing capability in enclosed spaces. It carries a multi-effect warhead that can hit targets with high precision over full range.
The weapon system has been designed to have the lowest possible collateral damage, and can be easily operable by a single soldier. The missile’s seeker head guides it directly to the centre of the predetermined target.
Enforcer has been developed to adapt, respond and evolve to complex combat operations and military scenarios, with the ability to strike slightly armoured targets, concealed snipers and threats behind cover.
The missile system is positioned as a lightweight, high-precision, multipurpose munition, which can complement the shoulder-fired infantry weapon systems currently used by infantry and special forces. It provides dismounted infantry with a portable, precise and effective guided missile.
The compact size and dimension of the missile make it more efficient and easier to carry and use in asymmetrical conflict zones such as Afghanistan, Mali and Iraq.
Variants of Enforcer missile
The shoulder-launched Enforcer missile serves as a basis for a new air-launched variant called Enforcer Air. Enforcer Air was unveiled at the Berlin Security Conference 2019 held in Berlin, in November 2019.
Enforcer Air has been developed by MBDA Deutschland. It comes with various launching options including drop-launched, tube-launched and rail-launched. The missile can be carried by helicopters, tactical unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and medium-latitude long-endurance (MALE) UAVs.
The air-launched missile is primarily being offered to Germany.
