The U.S. Air Force is doubling down on its commitment to all-weather warfare with a $400 million contract for over 1,500 GBU-53/B StormBreaker smart weapons. This cutting-edge munition marks a significant leap in precision technology, promising to pierce through darkness, smoke, and bad weather to effectively engage moving targets on the battlefield.
StormBreaker’s revolutionary capabilities lie in its tri-mode seeker, a triple threat that renders traditional battlefield obscurants obsolete. Millimeter wave radar cuts through the fog, imaging infrared paints a clear picture in darkness, and semi-active laser tracking ensures pinpoint accuracy. This versatility empowers pilots to strike mobile targets at any time of day, in any weather, giving them a crucial edge in combat.
“Fielded on two platforms with testing underway for others, StormBreaker has solidified its place as the leading network enabled weapon across the Department of Defense,” declared Paul Ferraro, president of Air Power at Raytheon, the weapon’s manufacturer. “With this contract, we’ll continue to evolve StormBreaker’s production to meet the needs of servicemembers for years to come.”
The benefits of StormBreaker extend beyond sheer firepower. Its smaller size allows fewer aircraft to achieve the same impact as larger, weather-dependent munitions. This translates to reduced risk for aircrews, increased cost-effectiveness, and potentially, a more potent aerial presence even for smaller air forces.
Currently deployed on F-15E Strike Eagles and F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, StormBreaker is undergoing integration with the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, further solidifying its place as a cornerstone of future air combat strategies. Its advanced communication capabilities make it a potent player in network-centric warfare, seamlessly sharing targeting information and collaborating with other platforms.
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