U.S. Air Force Contracts Raytheon for GBU-49 Integration on F-35A
The U.S. Air Force has awarded Raytheon a contract worth nearly $60 million to integrate the GBU-49 Enhanced Paveway II smart bomb onto the F-35A Joint Strike Fighter. This integration aims to enhance the F-35's capabilities in striking moving targets and will begin flight testing this month.
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The U.S. Air Force's contract with Raytheon includes 1,200 guidance kits for the GBU-49 Enhanced Paveway II, designed for precision strikes on moving targets. Initial delivery of 400 guidance kits is expected by January, with flight testing commencing this month.
Integration with the F-35A's Block 3F software, planned for implementation in 2018, will enhance target engagement capabilities. The GBU-49 is intended to address capability gaps until future munitions like JDAMS and Small Diameter Bomb II are ready. Twelve F-35s are currently stationed at Kadena Air Base, Japan, reinforcing regional security.
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