MBDA completes Enforcer tests

STEVENAGE, England, Dec. 15 (UPI) -- MBDA Missile Systems has completed firing trials for its Enforcer lightweight precision weapon system.

The tests, completed in November 2016, were conducted at the German Bundeswehr's Technical Center for Weapons Ammunition 91. MBDA officials say the end of the trials marks a significant milestone in for the program.

"These tests have topped off a successful year of Enforcer development, a year we can look back on and recognize numerous successful firings and other tests," MBDA Deutschland Sales and Business Development vice president Peter Heilmeier said in a press release. "The direct hits demonstrate that we have made an important step forward in the development program."

During the tests, the Enforcer prototype was fired at ranges between 3,280 and 6,560 feet. MBDA reports the results confirmed the company's expectations for the weapon's performance, saying the homing head effectively guided the missile to the center of the intended targets.

The company plans to begin qualification for the missile in the coming years ahead of series production. Additional guided firings are slated for 2017.

The Enforcer is a disposable, shoulder-launched guided weapon system being developed for the German army. The product aims to enable ground forces to engage lightly armored targets with a variety of munitions.