Spain completes development of FOX I micro-missile

31 October, 2024 FOX aircraft missiles for Aertec drones.

2023. Photo credits: edrmagazine.eu Aertec has completed the development of Spain's first Fox I missile for drones.

The Spanish media outlet TEDAE reported that the project should enter the final qualification phase in 2025. Up to 100 test launches are planned to evaluate the performance of the Fox I. The potential application of the Fox I micro-missile is arming small unmanned aerial vehicles with effective, lightweight anti-material weapons.

FOX aircraft missiles for Aertec drones.

2023. Photo credits: edrmagazine.eu

Aertec previously presented a model of the missile using their Tarsis-W unmanned platform (Tarsis 75).

In 2025, Aertec plans to conduct up to 100 test launches to assess the operational viability of the missile for the purpose of integration with the Tarsis-W platform.

Tarsis drones using Aertec's FOX missile

It is 900 mm long, weighs 3 kg, and has a range of up to 4 km. Aertec's Fox I uses an in-house developed laser homing head for precise guidance. The missile's warhead and rocket engine were developed in cooperation with the Spanish defence company Instalaza.

FOX I missile by Aertec

The warhead is made of C90 Instalaza grenade launcher ammunition and is equipped with a specially designed fuze.

The rocket engine is designed to fit the compact size of the missile while maintaining stability in flight.

FOX I missile by Aertec

The Fox I micro-missile's modular design allows it to be integrated into various airborne platforms with minimal software changes.