Anti-Tank Missile
MBDA Brimstone
The MBDA Brimstone is a British air- and ground-launched anti-armour missile made by MBDA UK, in RAF service since 2005. It uses a 94 GHz radar seeker, flies at about Mach 1.3 and reaches more than 60 km in Brimstone 2 form.
United Kingdom|MBDA UKWhat Is the MBDA Brimstone? Overview, History and Development
Brimstone grew from a 1996 programme and entered RAF service in 2005 on the Tornado. The missile is about 1.8 m long, 180 mm in diameter and 48 to 50 kg, with a 6.3 kg tandem shaped-charge warhead that defeats reactive armour. Guidance uses a 94 GHz millimetre-wave active radar seeker. A Dual-Mode version in 2008 added semi-active laser, Brimstone 2 followed in 2016 with extended range, and Brimstone 3 in 2019 added a multi-effect warhead.
Speed is about Mach 1.3 and accuracy about 1 m CEP, with a range of about 20 km for Brimstone I and more than 60 km for Brimstone 2 from jets. It is carried by the Tornado, Typhoon, Apache and Reaper, and F-35B integration is planned. Operators include the UK, Saudi Arabia and Ukraine (ground-launched versions since 2022 to 2023), while Germany reportedly ordered 3,266 for the Eurofighter. Estimated price is about GBP 105,000 to 175,000 per missile. Brimstone has seen combat in Iraq, Libya, Syria, Yemen and Ukraine and is the base for SPEAR 3.
MBDA Brimstone Specifications: Range, Speed, Warhead and Guidance
MBDA Brimstone Variants and Versions Compared
Brimstone (single mode) is the original radar-guided version in RAF service since 2005.
Brimstone 2 is the extended-range version from 2016 with an improved seeker and range above 60 km.
Brimstone 3 is the 2019 version with a multi-effect warhead, forming the basis of SPEAR 3.
Which Countries Use the MBDA Brimstone? Operators and Users
United Kingdom
Saudi Arabia
UkraineMBDA Brimstone FAQ: Price, Range, Operators and Most Asked Questions
What is the range of the Brimstone missile?
The Brimstone missile has a range of about 20 km for Brimstone I and more than 60 km for Brimstone 2 when launched from jets. Ground-launched ranges are shorter.
How much does a Brimstone missile cost?
A Brimstone missile costs an estimated GBP 105,000 to 175,000 depending on version, according to UK MoD and press estimates. Exact prices are not officially published.
How fast is the Brimstone missile?
The Brimstone missile flies at about Mach 1.3, roughly 450 m/s. Its 94 GHz radar seeker gives an accuracy of about 1 m CEP.
Which countries use the Brimstone missile?
The Brimstone missile is used by the UK, Saudi Arabia and Ukraine. Germany reportedly ordered 3,266 for its Eurofighters, and Poland has also been reported as a customer.
Does Ukraine use the Brimstone?
Yes, Ukraine has used ground-launched Brimstone missiles since 2022 to 2023, mounted on Wolfram vehicles supplied by the UK. Exact numbers are not public.
Brimstone vs Hellfire: which is better?
The Brimstone has a 94 GHz radar seeker and a range above 60 km in Brimstone 2, while the Hellfire reaches up to 11 km with laser or radar guidance. Hellfire is more widely used and cheaper.
