Raytheon Tests Ground-Launched StormBreaker Variant in Mojave Desert with Rapid 50-Day Development

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Raytheon Technologies (RTX) has announced a significant milestone with the successful test of a ground-launched variant of its StormBreaker smart weapon, developed in an accelerated timeline of only fifty days. The test was conducted in the Mojave Desert using a commercial rocket platform, reaching an altitude of approximately 20,000 feet. This achievement highlights not only the adaptability of the StormBreaker system but also Raytheon’s ability to rapidly innovate in response to evolving battlefield requirements.

Photo: rtx.com

The ground-launched version of StormBreaker is specifically designed to meet the growing demand for precision strike capabilities from land-based platforms. Unlike traditional systems that rely heavily on GPS guidance, this variant is engineered to operate effectively even in environments where GPS signals are denied or disrupted. Such resilience ensures that forces can maintain operational effectiveness in contested domains where electronic warfare and signal jamming are increasingly common.

StormBreaker itself has already established a reputation as a network-enabled smart weapon capable of engaging both moving and stationary targets across land and sea. Its advanced seeker technology allows it to function in all weather conditions, day or night, making it a versatile option for modern combat scenarios. By extending this capability to ground forces, Raytheon is broadening the operational flexibility of the weapon and ensuring its relevance across multiple domains.

Photo: rtx.com

Currently, StormBreaker is integrated with the F-15E Strike Eagle and the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, with ongoing efforts to bring it into the arsenal of the F-35A, B, and C variants. These integrations demonstrate the weapon’s adaptability across different platforms and its role in enhancing the lethality of advanced fighter aircraft. The addition of a ground-launched version further expands its portfolio, offering commanders more options for precision engagement without relying solely on air assets.

Raytheon has invested heavily in research and development, as well as in its facilities and workforce, to accelerate the creation of this new variant. The company’s ability to move from concept to test in less than two months underscores its commitment to innovation and its responsiveness to defense needs. This rapid development cycle also reflects the broader trend in the defense industry toward agility and speed in delivering new capabilities to the field.

The ground-launched StormBreaker variant is expected to offer extended range and enhanced offensive capabilities compared to earlier iterations. This means that ground forces will be able to strike targets at greater distances with high precision, reducing risk to personnel while increasing operational effectiveness. Such advancements are particularly valuable in modern conflicts where long-range precision fires are critical to shaping the battlefield.

Additional testing of the new variant is scheduled throughout 2025, with the goal of refining its performance and ensuring reliability under a wide range of conditions. These tests will likely focus on validating its guidance systems, range capabilities, and integration with potential launch platforms. By the time the system reaches maturity, it is expected to provide a robust and flexible option for ground-based precision strike missions.

The development of this variant also reflects a broader shift in military strategy toward multi-domain operations, where air, land, sea, space, and cyber capabilities are integrated seamlessly. By creating a weapon that can be deployed from both aircraft and ground launchers, Raytheon is contributing to the kind of cross-domain flexibility that modern militaries increasingly require. This approach ensures that forces can adapt quickly to changing conditions and maintain a decisive edge in complex operational environments.

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