BlackThorn™ is a family of mission-configurable warheads, built around the mission rather than the platform. From a common architecture, customers can match the right effect to each target, integrating the capability across missiles, autonomous systems, one-way effectors, counter-uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS) and uncrewed ground vehicles. Common interfaces allow for rapid integration, and the architecture can evolve as threats and platforms change.
The challenge
While autonomy, sensors, software and platform design have advanced significantly, payloads have often struggled to keep pace.
The operational environment now demands effects that:
• match the mission, not just the target
• allow for rapid integration to match the pace of warfare
• evolve as threats and platforms change
• can be produced and adapted at scale
• work across domains and deployment models
• are assured and safe from the outset
The future battlespace requires payloads specifically designed for autonomous systems—capable of delivering operational effect while evolving alongside the platforms they support.
BlackThorn is the answer
A multi-role utility warhead family for missiles and autonomous systems
BlackThorn combines blast, fragmentation and anti-armour effects within a common modular architecture, enabling a single platform to engage a broad range of target sets and operational requirements.
Built for the era of autonomous mass
The future battlefield will be characterised by larger numbers of autonomous platforms operating alongside traditional force structures.
BlackThorn has been developed to provide the affordable, scalable and lethal effects required to enable this new generation of hybrid forces.
The BlackThorn Family
BlackThorn is designed as a scalable family of utility warheads, enabling a common architecture to support a broad range of autonomous platforms and mission requirements.
40mm - Lightweight capability
Designed for lower-weight autonomous systems requiring agile, mission-ready effects. Potential applications include:
• Ground Based Air Defence (GBAD) effectors
• Mini missiles
• Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV)
• Strike drones
• Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGV)
Download our 40mm datasheet.
70mm - Tactical multi-role capability
Optimised for platforms requiring increased effect while retaining integration flexibility.
Potential applications include:
• Fast jets
• Attack helicopters
• Ground launchers
• Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV)
• Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGV)
• Strike drones
Download our 70mm datasheet.
120mm - Enhanced operational effect
Designed for larger autonomous platforms delivering increased lethality against demanding target sets. Potential applications include:
• One-way effectors
• Large Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV)
• Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGV)
• Uncrewed Vehicles (UXV)
• Maritime Autonomous Systems (MAS)
• Strike drones
Download our 120mm datasheet.
Why BlackThorn?
Reduced reliance on multiple specialist payloads
• A platform-agnostic architecture.
Affordable mass
• Supports scalable, high-volume capability generation for autonomous and hybrid force structures.
Increased lethality
• Blast, fragmentation, anti-armour and behind-armour effects from a common warhead family.
Reduced integration
• Platform-agnostic architecture designed for rapid integration.
Reduced logistics
• Reduce reliance on multiple specialist payloads while simplifying inventory and sustainment.
Future-ready adaptability
• Future-ready architecture designed to evolve alongside emerging technologies and threats.
Backed by BAE Systems
Combining decades of expertise in:
• Warhead design
• Energetic materials
• Fuzing technology
• High-volume munition manufacture
• Digital engineering.
Proven Progress
• Extensive modelling and simulation
• Comprehensive testing programme
• Rapid design iteration
• Selected by an industry partner for integration