Missile Martel

The Martel is an Anglo-French air-to-surface missile system that entered production in 1972. The designation is a contraction of Missile, Anti-Radiation, Television, reflecting its primary guidance configurations. The system served as the basis for the subsequent Sea Eagle and ARMAT missile programs.

The missile consists of two distinct variants: the AS.37 anti-radiation missile and the AJ.168 television-guided missile. The AS.37 utilizes passive radar homing to target electronic emissions. The sensor for this variant must be configured on the ground for specific radar wavelengths, as it cannot be adjusted during flight. The AJ.168 variant employs video guidance for terminal homing against surface targets. Both versions are powered by two-stage solid propellant rocket motors and operate at subsonic speeds. The missile carries a warhead equipped with a Misznay-Schardin plate and a proximity fuze. Launch platforms include fixed-wing aircraft such as the Buccaneer, Jaguar, Mirage III, Mirage F1, and Nimrod.

The Martel was widely deployed and has been used in multiple conflicts. The United Kingdom operated both the television and anti-radiation variants, while France utilized only the AS.37. The system saw combat during the Iran-Iraq War and during French operations in Chad. In an engagement on January 7, 1987, during Operation Epervier, French Jaguars launched a Martel against a Libyan SA-6 radar installation, resulting in its destruction. On March 7, 1987, a strike involving Martel-equipped Jaguars was conducted against radar installations at the Ouadi Doum air base. While the system has been retired by the United Kingdom, France, and Iraq, it remains in service with the air forces of Egypt and India. In British service, the anti-radiation role was transitioned to the ALARM missile.

🇪🇬 Egypt • 🇫🇷 France • 🇬🇧 United Kingdom • 🇮🇳 India • 🇮🇶 Iraq