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.
A-10 Thunderbolt II attack planes in the Middle East are flying with fresh modifications as the Air Force looks to make the plane more versatile amid America’s ongoing blockade of Iranian ports and a tenuous ceasefire in the U.S. air war against Iran.