Australian RAZER Low-cost Precision-guided Munition Strikes Targets During Testing

13 September 2025

RAZER Low-Cost Precision Guided Munition (LCPGM) (photos: BAE Systems)

RAZER scores direct strikes during flight trials

The RAZER Low-Cost Precision Guided Munition (LCPGM) has proven its operational effectiveness with direct strikes on multiple targets during the latest round of flight trials.

Led by Leon McLaren, Program Manager - Future Weapons, the RAZER team completed flight certification in Cloncurry, Queensland, in August after almost three years of development since the concept was unveiled at Avalon Airshow in 2023. 

RAZER provides defence forces with an affordable way to increase the range and accuracy of a 155mm shell or similar sized payload. This is achieved through the carriage of the shell inside the RAZER glide vehicle, comprised of a body and wing kit, tail control unit, and a flight guidance system. New for this year’s flight trials is a mission planning system.

Two variants of the air launched capability struck the target directly, effectively demonstrating the range of potential payloads that RAZER can carry. 

“RAZER has proven it can accept payloads from 7kg to 43kg and attack a target effectively. The customer could implement mortars, 5-inch shells, 155-millimetre shells, or even their own special to type warhead and fuse,” Mr MacLaren said.

These tests have expanded RAZER’s flight envelope and verified requirements that are key to its operational flexibility.

“You can pull RAZER out of the box, load the shell, or custom ordinance, load a coordinate, and have it ready to launch in 20 minutes.” 

Since RAZER debuted as a concept, the team has rapidly innovated on its design and technology while ensuring costs remain low. The weapon system can be produced in country through a sovereign supply chain, which supports the Commonwealth’s Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Group’s plans for an onshore manufacturing capability in Australia.

“The goal of RAZER was to make it as cost effective as we could to produce, because we know that customers are demanding value for money, flexibility, and scalable mass,” Mr MacLaren said.

The trials have confirmed the resilience and robustness of the entire RAZER system in a tactical environment and the bulk of the activity in producing the low-cost vehicle is now complete.

“We've successfully proven that we can hit targets, and we are ecstatic with the accuracy of this system. RAZER can now be produced faster and cheaper, while also being more operable for the customer.”

Global customers have shown interest in the RAZER concept and discussions are underway in how best BAE Systems Australia can tailor the LCPGM to achieve concentrated force and precision across various domains.

“We have a future growth path with RAZER,” Mr MacLaren said. “It could include adding seeker technology to be able to hit moving targets, and potentially a rocket assisted take-off version for land launch, to help strike further and with greater accuracy. Electronic Warfare payloads are also a possibility given the breadth of payloads RAZER can carry.”

(BAE Systems)