The defense technology agencies of Australia and the UK have partnered to jointly create low-cost, guided weapon systems. This initiative falls under the Copperhead Project Arrangement, signed in February, with the UK confirming the collaboration in April and Australia joining the announcement later.
The project combines Australia’s Sharktooth missile, known for its rapid integration of components such as sensors and warheads, with the UK’s Modular Weapons Testbed. The result will be a “plug-and-launch” modular weapon system, designed to be reconfigured quickly in the field to meet evolving combat requirements.
The Copperhead initiative directly addresses the global need for adaptable and cost-effective munitions that can counter a wide range of fast-changing threats. While comparable systems such as the Lockheed Martin JAGM and MBDA’s SPEAR also support modularity, they typically involve longer development cycles and higher expenses.
In contrast, Copperhead’s design emphasizes affordability, flexibility, and speed of deployment, making it a practical deterrence solution and a valuable addition to future battlefield operations.
