US Navy awards Raytheon production contract for enhanced Maverick

Tucson, Arizona – The U.S. Navy has awarded Raytheon Co. a $49.5 million contract for production of new laser-guided Maverick missiles (AGM-65E2/L). The Navy also intends to exercise a contract option to purchase additional units bringing the total contract value to $54.9 million.

 

The Maverick weapon system, a U.S. Air Force (USAF)-led joint service program, is a forward firing, precision-guided, close air support missile. Maverick is effective against a wide variety of fixed, stationary, moving, and maneuvering land and sea targets.

 

"The Navy has an operational need for increasing its inventory of this lethal and combat proven weapon," said Capt. Albert Mousseau Jr., U.S. Navy program manager, PMA-242. "Enhanced Laser Maverick enables warfighters to engage today's fast-moving, agile targets."

 

The new Laser Maverick (AGM-65E2/L) includes these enhancements:

 

"The enhanced Laser Maverick provides the U.S. warfighter with even greater capabilities that will meet today's and tomorrow's threats," said Mike Jarrett, Raytheon Air Warfare Systems vice president. "This is the latest step for this impressive weapon as we continue to work to ensure that future requirements are met."

 

The enhanced Laser Maverick is a result of a comprehensive USAF and USN Developmental Testing/Operational Testing program that was completed in 2011. AGM-65E2 is the US Navy/Marine Corps designation for their new Laser Maverick missile. AGM-65L is the designation for the USAF's new Laser Maverick.