UPI reported Monday that tests are moving forward at the Naval Air Warfare Center in China Lake, California on a 5-pound guided missile that is roughly the size of a loaf of bread.

The missile – called the Spike – will become the world’s smallest if placed in operational service and is designed for use on unmanned aircraft such as the Predator drone that has been used in combat operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan.  Measuring at 2 feet in length, the Predator would be able to hold as many as 12 Spike missiles, a marked improvement in load-out from the 2 or 3 Hellfire missiles the craft currently carries on its sorties.

Weapons like the Spike will undoubtedly be important elements in the expansion of unmanned missions in military planning as is proposed by Defense Secretary Gates and President Obama.

Rumors that the French are working to develop a demi-baguette sized weapon have not been substantiated.

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