Just name them... F-15, F-16, F-18, F-35, F-22 fighter jets or B-1B, B-52, B-21 bombers. The US is installing the new hypersonic missile named Mako on all its military aircraft. Developed by Lockheed Martin, this missile is hailed as a multi-mission weapon.
This missile can strike targets in the sea, in the air, on air defense systems, and any type of surface target. What's impressive is that the US has already tested it on almost all its fighter jets, bombers, and surveillance planes. It can be fitted on the F-18 Super Hornet, the F-15, and more.
Read More:
It can also be installed on the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II. Additionally, it can be fitted on US bombers. This means that this state-of-the-art dangerous missile can be equipped on America's fourth-generation to fifth-generation and even sixth-generation stealth fighter aircraft.
Source: aajtak
Let's Explore the Power of This Missile
This missile is launched from the air, meaning it can be fired from any aircraft. Weighing 590 kilograms, it carries a 130-kilogram warhead. With a length of 13 feet and a diameter of 13 inches, it features a solid rocket motor that propels it at a speed of 6200 kilometers per hour.
Read More:
Navy Variant Ready for Deployment
The existence of this missile was revealed in April this year during a defense exhibition held in Maryland. Lockheed Martin also aims for the US Navy to deploy it after the Air Force. A variant of the Mako missile, designed to launch from submarines and warships, is also being developed.
Source: aajtak
How This Missile Benefits the US
The Mako missile can destroy Russia and China's Anti-Access/Area Denial (A2/AD) weapons and systems in the Pacific Ocean. Previous hypersonic missiles were too large to fit inside the internal bays of fighter jets or bombers.
But the Mako missile is smaller, lighter, and more powerful. Hence, it can be deployed inside the internal bays of F-35 and F-22 stealth fighter jets—an amalgamation of destructive fighter jets and devastating missiles. Another advantage is that no air defense system can intercept it.
Read More:
Like the Tomahawk missile, the Mako hypersonic missile can significantly enhance the capabilities of the US Army, Air Force, and Navy. It can be mounted on any part of American aircraft and launched from launch tubes, making it usable by the Navy as well.
