Article Posted on : - Oct 18, 2012

An MBDA photo.

BAUMHOLDER, GERMANY (BNS): The KFK small missile, being developed as a compact, light-weight, low-cost weapon system, has been successfully test fired last month, the missile's manufacturer MBDA has announced.

The missile's first demonstration test firing was conducted from the military ground at Baumholder, Germany on September 19.

The demonstrator was tested in the presence of German officials with two successful unguided firings with the missile travelling the planned distance, MBDA, which is financing the programme with project supervision by MBDA Germany, said on Oct 17.

The missile is being developed as a compact, light-weight, low-cost weapon system that can be fired by a single operator.

"The missile concept has been developed by building on the mission experience of the German Bundeswehr and more generally of lessons learned from recent conflicts.

"Ongoing military missions have revealed the particular need for a compact, light-weight, low-cost, precision multipurpose weapon that can be transported and operated by a single operator," MBDA said.

KFK stands for Kleinflugkörper which translates as "Small Missile".

The KFK concept is intended as an effective enhancement to existing shoulder-fired infantry weapon systems, delivering highly precise effect against a large target spectrum whilst enhancing gunner protection, the company said.