A prototype was launched using a commercial off-the-shelf rocket motor and achieved milestones including reaching an altitude of about 20,000 feet. “Recent global conflicts have highlighted the need for a smart, ground-launched, precision strike weapon that can perform in GPS-contested areas,” said Sam Deneke, president of Air & Space Defense Systems at Raytheon.
Deneke added: “StormBreaker is a composable weapon, which allows it to be customized to meet mission demands. Using the foundational components of air-launched StormBreaker allowed us to move faster than ever before, going from concept to test flight in under two months.”
StormBreaker is the only fielded, network-enabled smart weapon capable of engaging moving and stationary targets in fair and adverse weather, on land or at sea. It is already approved for use on the F-15E and the F/A-18-E/F Super Hornet, and integration is ongoing with the F-35A/B/C.
Raytheon has invested in independent research and development, capital assets, facilities and the acquisition of subject matter experts to accelerate Ground-Launched StormBreaker. The company said the new variant covers the same target set as the air-launched weapon but with extended range and enhanced offensive capabilities, with further tests planned throughout 2025.
