The defense technology agencies of Australia and the UK are collaborating to develop low-cost guided weapon systems under the Copperhead Project Arrangement, signed in February. The UK announced the initiative in April, followed by Australia this month.
The project merges Australia’s Sharktooth small guided missile, known for its rapid integration of components like sensors and warheads, with the UK’s Modular Weapons Testbed. The result will be a “plug-and-launch” modular capability, enabling weapons to be reconfigured quickly in the field.
The Copperhead program addresses the growing demand for adaptable munitions against evolving threats. While systems like Lockheed Martin’s Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM) and MBDA’s SPEAR weapon also emphasize modularity, they often come with longer development timelines and higher costs.
By contrast, Copperhead is designed to be affordable, agile, and rapidly deployable, offering a cost-effective deterrence option for modern battlefields.
