The Air Force has expressed interest in beginning production again of Raytheon’s laser-guided Maverick air-to-ground missile, according to a company release. Raytheon says USAF has “an urgent operational need for a close air support weapon to defeat high-speed moving targets with minimal collateral damage.” Harry Schulte, vice president of the company’s strike product line, says Maverick has proved itself “very versatile” and the “newest laser version will significantly enhance the Air Force’s precision capability.” In the interim, Raytheon notes that the Navy will transfer some of its Mavericks to the Air Force.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth visited the site of U.S. Space Command’s future home Dec. 12 and endorsed the move to establish the headquarters in Alabama after years of political back and forth.
