Mako missile

Source: FI

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Context:

• The US Navy, Navy SEAL commandos, and the US Air Force are set to install the Mako missile in all their military aircraft.

Details:

About Mako Missile:

The air-launched hypersonic multi-mission missile, developed by Lockheed Martin, will be the world's first hypersonic weapon deployable from the internal weapons bay of fifth-generation stealth fighter jets like the F-35 and F-22 Raptor. It is designed for various missions, targeting threats at sea, in the air, and on land.

Key Features:

Speed	Over Mach 5
Maneuverability	High, making it difficult to intercept
Mission Capabilities	Time-sensitive target engagement; penetrates advanced air-defense systems
Development	Part of Lockheed Martin’s first generation of missiles designed within a “digital engineering ecosystem”
Weight	Close to 590 kg
Diameter	13 inches
Length	Approximately 4 meters

 Key Features

• Hypersonic Speed: The Mako missile operates at speeds greater than Mach 5, allowing it to strike targets quickly and with high precision.
• Maneuverability: It is designed to maneuver effectively in the hypersonic regime, making it difficult for advanced air-defense systems to intercept.
• Multi-Mission Capability: Mako can support various missions, including:
  • Strike Missions: Targeting fixed or mobile ground targets.
  • Maritime Strike: Engaging naval targets.
  • Counter-Air Defense: Penetrating and neutralizing enemy air defense systems.

Development and Maturity

• Development Period: The Mako missile has been in development for seven years, emphasizing a detailed and rigorous design and testing phase.
• Digital Acquisition: It supported the S. Air Force’s first digital acquisition missile program, indicating a high level of technological integration and maturity.

Recent Developments and Deployment

• S. Security Enhancement: The introduction of Mako is a key component in strengthening U.S. defense capabilities, providing a versatile tool for various combat scenarios.
• Future Prospects: Ongoing developments and potential upgrades will likely expand its capabilities further, making it a pivotal asset in modern warfare.

Strategic Importance

• Rapid Response: Named after the fastest shark, Mako is designed to engage time-sensitive targets where every second is critical.
• Penetrative Capability: Its ability to penetrate advanced air defenses makes it suitable for targeting high-value installations in hostile environments.
• Compact Design: Mako is compact enough to fit in the internal bays of stealth aircraft, enabling close-up launches and enhancing the stealth profile of the delivering aircraft.

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Source:

https://www.financialexpress.com/business/defence-strengthening-us-security-the-introduction-of-the-mako-hypersonic-missile-3566391/

https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/news/features/2024/mako-a-hypersonic-missile-thats-more-than-ready.html

PRACTICE QUESTION Consider the following statements about the Mako missile: It is an air-launched hypersonic missile developed by Lockheed Martin. It can achieve speeds over Mach 2.5 and has high maneuverability. The missile is designed to be launched from the internal weapons bay of fourth-generation stealth fighter jets. Which of the above statements is/are incorrect? A) 1 and 2 only B) 1, and 3 only C) 2 and 3 only D) 1, 2 and 3 Answer: C