Lockheed Martin reports that its miniature hit-to-kill missile was successfully fired by a multi-mission launcher in an engineering demonstration.

The launch, which showed the agility and aerodynamic capability of the MHTK missile, took place on Monday at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico.

"Today's global security environment demands agile, close-range solutions that protect soldiers and citizens from enemy rockets, artillery and mortars," said Hal Stuart, Lockheed Martin's MHTK program manager. "This test is a critical milestone demonstrating the interceptor's maturity, and we look forward to continuing to build on this success using key data gathered from today's launch."

The MHTK is two feet in length and weighs five pounds. It is designed to defeat rocket, artillery and mortar targets at ranges greatly exceeding those of current and interim systems.

Lockheed said its compact size allows multiple rounds to be packaged in a single MML tube, a key component of the Army's Indirect Fire Protection Capability Increment 2-Intercept program for protection from cruise missiles, unmanned aircraft systems and rocket, artillery and mortar threats.

Monday's launch advances the program, increasing the level of MHTK integration maturity with the MML.