MBDA demonstrate the Enforcer lightweight high precision missile system at Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) 2021. 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. The development phase included multiple guided firings trails at the German Bundeswehr’s Technical Center for Weapons and Ammunition 91 in November 2016. 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 Enforcer shoulder launched weapon system provides low-collateral precision effects capabilities against the threat from lightly armoured static and moving targets, targets behind cover, and against targets at long range also in urban environments. Enforcer is a 2km-class disposable shoulder-launched guided munition, which provides stand-off capability for forces while engaging targets on the battlefield. 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. The compact size and dimension of the missile make it more efficient and easier to carry and use in asymmetrical conflict zones.
Enforcer possesses increased capabilities than the existing infantry weapon systems. The missile is equipped with a lock-on before launch (LOBL) feature. The fire-and-forget missile has the capability to destroy lightly-armoured and soft-skinned targets. It is also effective against hidden targets due to its airburst capabilities. 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 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 modular design of the Enforcer system enables a range of future development options, including a prospective ‘family’ of Enforcer munitions for land, air and sea applications. 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.
