The UK is seeking a land-based missile system armed with cost-effective ballistic missiles with a range exceeding 500 km and a high-explosive fragmentation warhead containing around 200 kg of explosive, with a time to target of no more than 10 minutes. Each launcher vehicle is required to carry more than two missiles.
According to the Ministry of Defence notice, the missiles must be capable of operating in difficult terrain, day and night, and be resistant to electronic warfare and satellite navigation jamming. Even under such conditions, the circular error probable is required to be no greater than 10 metres, while the missile must achieve supersonic speed and be capable of basic manoeuvres.
The ballistic missile design is expected to allow for future development, including increased range, accuracy and manoeuvrability, as well as integration of additional equipment such as telemetry systems. The UK has also specified that dependence on foreign governments should be minimised to avoid export and operational restrictions.
The Ministry of Defence expects the first systems to be delivered within nine to twelve months, including at least five missiles for test firings. Potential suppliers must be capable of producing at least ten missiles per month, with scope for further increases in output.
