Britain's Guided Weapons

Britain has been at the forefront of weapons technology since the industrial revolution began and, with the Brennan wire-guided torpedo, pioneered guided weapons. WWI saw several developments, but it was during WWII that Britain’s scientists laid the foundations for a guided weapons industry that continues to this day. Ultimately, the early guided weapons gave Britain’s armed forces valuable experience in operating the weapons. Sea Vixens, Javelins and Lightnings were armed with Firestreak and Red Top, while Vulcans and Victors carried Blue Steel, the UK’s nuclear deterrent. The Army fielded weapons such as Thunderbird, Rapier, Corporal and Lance. Navy submarines carried Polaris and Trident, while surface ships had Sea Dart, Sea Wolf, Exocet and Harpoon. From this solid foundation, the aerospace companies merged and collaborated, with lessons learned from the earlier weapons paving the way for a new generation of weapons.