Raytheon has tested a new rocket motor for the Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency’s (DARPA) Multi-Azimuth Defense Fast Intercept Round Engagement System, or MAD-FIRES.

The MAD-FIRES interceptor is designed to provide self-defence capability that defeats multiple waves of anti-ship missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles, as well as other threats, the company said in a statement Monday.

If fielded, this capability will combine the speed, rapid fire and depth of a gun weapon system with the precision and accuracy of guided missiles, Raytheon said.