Yesterday, Raytheon announced receipt of a $5.7 million USAF contract to upgrade software on the TV-guided variant of the Maverick air-to-surface missile. Col. Eric Theisen, Air Combat Command’s advanced programs division chief, said these software modifications will improve the pilot’s ability to visually identify and engage distant targets, thereby enabling greater standoff distances for the missile’s launch and better aircraft survivability. “The Maverick has always been ideal for close air support missions; now it’s even better,” added Harry Schulte, Raytheon’s vice president of air warfare systems.
The rate of building B-21 bombers would speed up if the fiscal 2026 defense budget passes. But it remains unclear how much capacity would be added, and whether the Air Force would simply build the bombers faster, or buy more.
