Air Force Munitions

Latest in Air Force Munitions

Ukrainians F-16s will immediately be able to get more out of stocks Western munitions that have already been deliverd, as well as other benefits.

F-16s Will Let Ukraine Get More Out Of Western Munitions: USAF’s Top Officer In Europe F-16s Will Let Ukraine Get More Out Of Western Munitions: USAF’s Top Officer In Europe

By Joseph Trevithick

Jul 30 2:44 PM EDT

The US Air Force says a program to explore low cost 'air vehicle' concepts that could be turned into cruise missiles or used for other purposes is as much about shaking up industrial base and supply chain status quos.

Shaking Up U.S. Industrial Base Key To ‘Cheap’ Cruise Missile Program Shaking Up U.S. Industrial Base Key To ‘Cheap’ Cruise Missile Program

By Joseph Trevithick

Jul 29 2:28 PM EDT

A new picture offering the best look to date at a Ukrainian MiG-29 Fulcrum fighter armed with GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bombs has disclosed the use of a special pylon with a mysterious feature in front.

First Look At Mystery Weapon Pylon Ukrainian MiG-29s Use To Carry Small Diameter Bombs First Look At Mystery Weapon Pylon Ukrainian MiG-29s Use To Carry Small Diameter Bombs

By Joseph Trevithick

Jul 26 7:08 PM EDT

A look at an AIM-174 air-launched version of the SM-6 missile with previously unseen markings under the wing of a Super Hornet aboard the USS Carl Vinson has emerged.

AIM-174 Missile Seen On Super Hornet About To Launch From A Carrier For First Time AIM-174 Missile Seen On Super Hornet About To Launch From A Carrier For First Time

By Tyler Rogoway, Joseph Trevithick

Jul 23 12:13 PM EDT

Italy has announced plans to equip the F-35B stealth fighters operated by its naval air arm with the Kongsberg Joint Strike Missile (JSM), among other weapons. Details of the armament for the Italian Navy’s short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) F-35Bs comes as the aircraft take part for the first time in the large-scale Pitch Black drills in Australia, aboard the aircraft carrier Cavour.

Italy’s Carrier-Capable F-35B Stealth Fighters To Get New Advanced Weapons Italy’s Carrier-Capable F-35B Stealth Fighters To Get New Advanced Weapons

By Thomas Newdick

Jul 16 3:23 PM EDT

An EA-18G Growler scored the types first ever air-to-air kill during a recently concluded deployment.

EA-18G Growler Scored Its First Air-To-Air Kill EA-18G Growler Scored Its First Air-To-Air Kill

By Joseph Trevithick

Jul 16 12:07 PM EDT

Russia has, for the first time, published footage showing what it says is the carriage and launch of the guided, glide version of its huge FAB-3000 aerial bomb — a weapon that weighs over 6,600 pounds in its basic version. The weapon is among the more recently announced additions to the family of UMPK munitions, which add a pop-out wing kit and a guidance package to a range of existing freefall weapons, as you can read more about here.

Russia’s Giant 6,000lb Glide Bomb Seen Launched From Su-34 For First Time Russia’s Giant 6,000lb Glide Bomb Seen Launched From Su-34 For First Time

By Thomas Newdick

Jul 15 1:46 PM EDT

The US Air Force has revealed that development of a new relatively low-cost stand-off precision-guided munition is for Ukraine.

Air Force’s Cheap And Fast To Produce Long-Range Missile Is Being Built For Ukraine Air Force’s Cheap And Fast To Produce Long-Range Missile Is Being Built For Ukraine

By Joseph Trevithick

Jul 11 9:39 PM EDT

The air-launched version of the hugely versatile SM-6 missile, also known as the RIM-174, has appeared on U.S. Navy F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighters at the biennial Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise, the world’s largest international maritime exercise. We now also know the missiles are designated AIM-74B, indicating an air-to-air missile, although, as we have discussed in the past, the weapon also has the potential to strike high-priority ground targets, such as air defense sites, and warships, acting as a quasi-ballistic missile.

AIM-174 Super Hornet-Launched Variant Of SM-6 Missile Breaks Cover In Hawaii (Updated) AIM-174 Super Hornet-Launched Variant Of SM-6 Missile Breaks Cover In Hawaii (Updated)

By Thomas Newdick, Tyler Rogoway

Jul 3 3:00 PM EDT

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle from Royal Air Force Lakenheath's 494th Fighter Squadron returns to formation after receiving fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker from the Fairchild Air Force Base's 92nd Aerial Refueling Squadron, over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, May 2, 2024. The U.S. Air Force is globally postured to protect and defend freedom of coalition allies and regional partners within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility to maintain peace and stability across the region.

Flying The F-15E Strike Eagle In Air-To-Air Combat, From Dogfighting To Drone Hunting Flying The F-15E Strike Eagle In Air-To-Air Combat, From Dogfighting To Drone Hunting

By Thomas Newdick

Jul 1 1:19 PM EDT

Piggyback bomber at a Nazi airfield In WWII.

Recalling The Nazis’ Bizarre Piggyback Bombers 80 Years After They Went To War Recalling The Nazis’ Bizarre Piggyback Bombers 80 Years After They Went To War

By Thomas Newdick

Jun 30 3:57 PM EDT

A video has emerged showing a Ukrainian MiG-29 toss-bombing a munition, a critical tactic that helps limit the exposure of the launching platform to enemy defenses.

Watch A Ukrainian MiG-29 Toss A Bomb Across The Front Lines Watch A Ukrainian MiG-29 Toss A Bomb Across The Front Lines

By Joseph Trevithick

Jun 27 9:30 PM EDT

A claim has emerged that Russia has begun using 3,000-kilogram (6,600-pound) class FAB-3000 M54 bombs with pop-out wing kits against targets in Ukraine.

Is This Our First Look At Russia’s New Monster Glide Bomb Striking Ukraine? Is This Our First Look At Russia’s New Monster Glide Bomb Striking Ukraine?

By Joseph Trevithick

Jun 20 9:26 PM EDT

AIM-120 being loaded into a NASAMS launcher

U.S. Diverting Missiles From Foreign Customers To Ukraine Could Have Repercussions Beyond Air Defense U.S. Diverting Missiles From Foreign Customers To Ukraine Could Have Repercussions Beyond Air Defense

By Howard Altman, Tyler Rogoway

Jun 20 8:14 PM EDT

A USN EA-18G took out an Mi-24 with an AARGM.

EA-18G Growler Killed A Houthi Mi-24 Hind With An AGM-88E Anti-Radiation Missile EA-18G Growler Killed A Houthi Mi-24 Hind With An AGM-88E Anti-Radiation Missile

By Howard Altman, Tyler Rogoway

Jun 6 3:53 PM EDT

German contractor Diehl Defense has unveiled a new “remote carrier” — a long-range effector that can be launched from aircraft, as well as from land and sea platforms. The missile-like store, known as FEANIX, which stands for Future Effector — Adaptable, Networked, Intelligent, eXpendable, is being pitched as an adjunct to the pan-European Future Combat Air System (FCAS) next-generation air combat program, as well as for the in-service Eurofighter Typhoon.

FEANIX ‘Remote Carrier’ Aims To Be The Ultra-Adaptable Missile Of The Future FEANIX ‘Remote Carrier’ Aims To Be The Ultra-Adaptable Missile Of The Future

By Thomas Newdick

Jun 5 1:46 PM EDT

The Defense Innovation Unit and the US Air Force have picked four different companies design, build, and flight test new low-cost cruise missile concepts.

‘Cheap’ Long-Range Cruise Missile Designs To Be Tested By Air Force ‘Cheap’ Long-Range Cruise Missile Designs To Be Tested By Air Force

By Joseph Trevithick

Jun 3 2:10 PM EDT

The US Air Force has awarded its first contract for the purchase of production Joint Strike Missiles which are set to give its F-35A Joint Strike Fighters a new and capable stand-off strike option against targets on land and at sea.

USAF F-35s Are Officially Getting Joint Strike Cruise Missiles That Fit In Their Bays USAF F-35s Are Officially Getting Joint Strike Cruise Missiles That Fit In Their Bays

By Joseph Trevithick

May 31 8:29 PM EDT

Tamir air-o-air variant

The Case For Arming Drone-Hunting Fighters With Iron Dome’s Tamir Missile The Case For Arming Drone-Hunting Fighters With Iron Dome’s Tamir Missile

By Tyler Rogoway

May 30 3:37 PM EDT

SDB is now being used by Ukrainian aircraft.

Ukraine Situation Report: Kyiv Says It’s Using Air-Launched Small Diameter Bombs Ukraine Situation Report: Kyiv Says It’s Using Air-Launched Small Diameter Bombs

By Thomas Newdick

May 24 6:14 PM EDT

Su-34 launches new glide bombs

Russia’s Small Diameter Bomb-Like Weapon Seen In Action For The First Time Russia’s Small Diameter Bomb-Like Weapon Seen In Action For The First Time

By Thomas Newdick

May 23 6:35 PM EDT

ADM-160 MALD seen on MIG-29 in Ukraine for the first time.

ADM-160 Miniature Air Launched Decoy Spotted On Ukrainian MiG-29 ADM-160 Miniature Air Launched Decoy Spotted On Ukrainian MiG-29

By Thomas Newdick

May 21 11:48 AM EDT

Recent imagery provides our best views so far of Russia’s modern Kh-38M air-to-ground missile, apparently employed in the war in Ukraine. Previously, various videos had been released showing airstrikes that purportedly involved Kh-38Ms, but new photos show, in some detail, the missile carried under the wing of Su-34 Fullback strike fighters, seemingly taking part in combat sorties.

Our Best Look At Russia’s Kh-38 Missile Now Being Used In Ukraine Our Best Look At Russia’s Kh-38 Missile Now Being Used In Ukraine

By Thomas Newdick

May 14 1:07 PM EDT

We now have our first look at a mini-cruise missile U.S. Special Operations Command is developing that could arm AC-130J gunships and other aircraft.

Our First Look At The Tiny Cruise Missile That Aims To Arm AC-130 Gunships Our First Look At The Tiny Cruise Missile That Aims To Arm AC-130 Gunships

By Joseph Trevithick

May 8 9:16 PM EDT

KH-101s are now being fired at Ukraine with two warheads onboard.

Russia Now Firing Kh-101 Cruise Missiles Modified With Two Warheads At Ukraine Russia Now Firing Kh-101 Cruise Missiles Modified With Two Warheads At Ukraine

By Thomas Newdick

May 8 7:23 PM EDT

Super hornets now carrying nine air-to-air missiles

Super Hornets Now Flying With Nine Air-To-Air Missiles To Counter Houthi Drones Super Hornets Now Flying With Nine Air-To-Air Missiles To Counter Houthi Drones

By Thomas Newdick

May 7 7:56 PM EDT

The Air Force new 5,000-pound-class GBU-72/B bunker buster bomb could be a future addition to the B-2 bomber's arsenal.

B-2 Spirits Could Get New 5,000-Pound Bunker Busters B-2 Spirits Could Get New 5,000-Pound Bunker Busters

By Joseph Trevithick

May 7 12:42 PM EDT

In a most unusual development in the Black Sea ‘drone war,’ Ukraine appears to have begun arming uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), better known as drone boats, with heat-seeking air-to-air missiles. The adaptation seems to have been made to provide the USVs with protection against the Russian helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft that are increasingly being used to counter them, although many questions remain about how these newly added weapons are intended work.

Ukrainian Drone Boats Now Armed With Adapted Air-To-Air Missiles Ukrainian Drone Boats Now Armed With Adapted Air-To-Air Missiles

By Thomas Newdick

May 6 1:34 PM EDT

JDAM-ER Winged Bombs With Seekers That Home In On GPS Jammers Headed To Ukraine

JDAM-ER Winged Bombs With Seekers That Home In On GPS Jammers Headed To Ukraine JDAM-ER Winged Bombs With Seekers That Home In On GPS Jammers Headed To Ukraine

By Joseph Trevithick

May 3 8:02 PM EDT

The Marine Corps is now flight testing a new secretive stand-off missile for its AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters.

Secretive Long Range Attack Missile For Marine AH-1s Is Now Being Flight Tested Secretive Long Range Attack Missile For Marine AH-1s Is Now Being Flight Tested

By Joseph Trevithick

May 2 8:58 PM EDT

The future of the Harvest Hawk armament kits for Marine Corps KC-130J tanker/transport aircraft are increasingly uncertain as focus shifts to planning for future high-end conflicts.

Marine KC-130Js May Lose Their Missile-Firing Harvest Hawk Kits Marine KC-130Js May Lose Their Missile-Firing Harvest Hawk Kits

By Joseph Trevithick

May 1 7:50 PM EDT

The Ukrainian Air Force is using iPads, or similar tablets in the cockpits of its Soviet-era jets to enable rapid integration of modern Western air-to-ground weapons — something that TWZ predicted back in 2022. This has been confirmed by Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment Dr. William LaPlante. While many questions remain about the tablet and how it works, there’s now more footage showing it fitted in cockpits.

Ukrainian Fighter Jets “Using iPads” To Control Western Weapons Ukrainian Fighter Jets “Using iPads” To Control Western Weapons

By Thomas Newdick

Apr 25 7:18 PM EDT

A senior U.S. official has strongly implied that Ground Launched Small Diameter Bombs sent to Ukraine have performed so poorly for a variety of reasons that they have been removed from service.

Have Ground Launched Small Diameter Bombs Been ‘Thrown Aside’ By Ukraine? Have Ground Launched Small Diameter Bombs Been ‘Thrown Aside’ By Ukraine?

By Joseph Trevithick

Apr 25 5:56 PM EDT

Ukraine will receive Paveway IV precision-guided bombs as part of the latest package of weapons being supplied by the United Kingdom to assist in the war with Russia. At this stage it’s unclear which aircraft will be armed with the dual-mode Paveway bombs, but the move ensures the United Kingdom remains very much at the forefront of delivering advanced and novel military equipment to Ukraine.

Dual-Mode Paveway IV Guided Bombs Headed To Ukraine Dual-Mode Paveway IV Guided Bombs Headed To Ukraine

By Thomas Newdick

Apr 24 3:41 PM EDT

South Korean F-4E launches an AGM-142 'Pop-eye' missile

F-4 Phantoms Conduct Final Popeye Missile Firing Before South Korea Bids Them Farewell F-4 Phantoms Conduct Final Popeye Missile Firing Before South Korea Bids Them Farewell

By Oliver Parken

Apr 23 6:10 PM EDT

Recently released pictures of a Bahraini Block 70 F-16D Viper undergoing testing in the United States show what one of these jets might look like one an actual combat mission.

Our First Look At An Armed-Up Block 70 F-16 Viper Our First Look At An Armed-Up Block 70 F-16 Viper

By Joseph Trevithick

Apr 12 12:17 PM EDT

New AIM-9X configuration for the super hornet and growler.

F/A-18 Super Hornets Now Flying With Four AIM-9Xs From USS Eisenhower To Counter Drones F/A-18 Super Hornets Now Flying With Four AIM-9Xs From USS Eisenhower To Counter Drones

By Tyler Rogoway

Apr 10 8:07 PM EDT

MQ-25 with LRASM missiles

MQ-25 Stingray Tanker Drone Armed With Stealthy Anti-Ship Missiles Makes Perfect Sense MQ-25 Stingray Tanker Drone Armed With Stealthy Anti-Ship Missiles Makes Perfect Sense

By Thomas Newdick, Tyler Rogoway

Apr 10 2:03 PM EDT

The US Navy has cleared its EA-18G Growlers to carry AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles, and increased how many its F/A-18E/F Super Hornet can carry, decisions driven by Houthi drone things in and around the Red Sea.

Navy EA-18G Growlers Get AIM-9X, Super Hornets Can Now Carry More Sidewinders Navy EA-18G Growlers Get AIM-9X, Super Hornets Can Now Carry More Sidewinders

By Joseph Trevithick

Apr 9 4:39 PM EDT

The Navy and Lockheed Martin recently conducted a "historic" test in which four AGM-158C Long Range Anti-Ship Missiles were in flight simultaneously.

Four Stealthy AGM-158C Long-Range Anti-Ship Missiles Flew Together In “Historic” Test Four Stealthy AGM-158C Long-Range Anti-Ship Missiles Flew Together In “Historic” Test

By Joseph Trevithick

Apr 4 1:04 PM EDT

The US Air Force no longer plans to flight test a laser directed energy weapon on an AC-130J Ghostrider gunship.

AC-130 Gunship’s Laser Weapon Cancelled, 105mm Howitzer May Be Removed AC-130 Gunship’s Laser Weapon Cancelled, 105mm Howitzer May Be Removed

By Joseph Trevithick

Mar 19 1:56 PM EDT

Mig-29s are now flying with French hammer guided bombs in Ukraine.

Ukraine’s MiG-29s Are Now Carrying French ‘Hammer’ Rocket-Assisted Bombs Ukraine’s MiG-29s Are Now Carrying French ‘Hammer’ Rocket-Assisted Bombs

By Thomas Newdick

Mar 15 2:19 PM EDT

Russian SDB-like glide bomb appears in Ukraine.

Russian Small Diameter Bomb-Like Glide Weapon Appears In Ukraine Russian Small Diameter Bomb-Like Glide Weapon Appears In Ukraine

By Tyler Rogoway, Thomas Newdick

Mar 12 2:55 PM EDT

Kh-69 standoff missile, Russia.

Russia Now Using Kh-69 Cruise Missiles In Ukraine: Reports Russia Now Using Kh-69 Cruise Missiles In Ukraine: Reports

By Thomas Newdick

Feb 16 6:58 PM EST

SDB GROUND LAUNCHED UKRAINE

Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bomb Makes Combat Debut In Ukraine Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bomb Makes Combat Debut In Ukraine

By Thomas Newdick

Feb 14 5:19 PM EST

The latest on AFRL's mutant from AFA's Warfare Symposium show floor.

We Talk MUTANT, The Bending Missile, With The Air Force Research Lab We Talk MUTANT, The Bending Missile, With The Air Force Research Lab

By Jamie Hunter, Tyler Rogoway

Feb 14 12:22 PM EST

The Ukrainian Navy has released what looks to the be the first look at a U.S.-supplied VAMPIRE counter-drone system in action and shooting down a Russian Shahed-type kamikaze drone.

First Look At Laser-Guided Rocket Counter Drone System Blasting A Russian Drone First Look At Laser-Guided Rocket Counter Drone System Blasting A Russian Drone

By Joseph Trevithick

Feb 12 2:58 PM EST

Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier Pilot Intercepted Seven Drones (Updated)

Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier Pilot Intercepted Seven Drones (Updated) Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier Pilot Intercepted Seven Drones (Updated)

By Thomas Newdick

Feb 12 1:34 PM EST

A top Iranian-backed militia leader was killed in a US. drone strike, likely using an RX9 "Flying Ginsu" missile.

Bladed Hellfire Missile Likely Killed Top Iran-Backed Militia Leader In Baghdad Bladed Hellfire Missile Likely Killed Top Iran-Backed Militia Leader In Baghdad

By Howard Altman

Feb 7 7:24 PM EST

F-16 for Ukraine will be getting a long-range cruise missile, according to the country's Air Force chief.

Ukraine Says It’s Getting Long-Range Strike Missiles With Its F-16s Ukraine Says It’s Getting Long-Range Strike Missiles With Its F-16s

By Thomas Newdick

Feb 5 6:10 PM EST

The Navy no longer plans to acquire a version of the AGM-158C Long Range Anti-Ship Missile with additional land-attack capability.

Land Attack Capability Axed On AGM-158C LRASM Anti-Ship Missile Land Attack Capability Axed On AGM-158C LRASM Anti-Ship Missile

By Joseph Trevithick

Feb 2 5:11 PM EST

F-35 SPEAR METEOR

F-35 To Get Meteor, SPEAR 3 Missiles “By End Of Decade” F-35 To Get Meteor, SPEAR 3 Missiles “By End Of Decade”

By Thomas Newdick

Jan 22 12:57 PM EST

French authorities have pledged to send Ukrainian forces 50 Hammer rocket-boosted precision-guided bombs every month.

These Are France’s ‘Hammer’ Rocket-Assisted Bombs Ukraine’s Getting These Are France’s ‘Hammer’ Rocket-Assisted Bombs Ukraine’s Getting

By Joseph Trevithick

Jan 18 6:42 PM EST

Germany's Bundestag voted down a proposal to send Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine.

Germany Votes Down Taurus Cruise Missiles For Ukraine Germany Votes Down Taurus Cruise Missiles For Ukraine

By Howard Altman

Jan 17 9:07 PM EST

Russia has offer the best look to date a new conversion kit that transforms FAB-1500 M54s into stand-off glide bombs.

Russia’s New Supersized Glide Bomb: Our Best Look Yet Russia’s New Supersized Glide Bomb: Our Best Look Yet

By Joseph Trevithick

Jan 12 4:38 PM EST

Video footage has emerged showing a Russian Kh-101 cruise missile deploying countermeasures as it speeds toward its target.

Russian Kh-101 Cruise Missile Filmed Firing-Off Decoy Flares Russian Kh-101 Cruise Missile Filmed Firing-Off Decoy Flares

By Joseph Trevithick

Dec 29 9:42 PM EST

An Israeli Air Force F-16 launches the IMI Systems Rampage standoff missile.

Indian Navy MiG-29s Get Israeli Rampage Standoff Weapon Indian Navy MiG-29s Get Israeli Rampage Standoff Weapon

By Thomas Newdick

Dec 6 3:22 PM EST

A R-73 air-to-air missile pictured at a residential address in Venezuela

R-73 Air-To-Air Missile Seized From Venezuelan Man’s Backyard R-73 Air-To-Air Missile Seized From Venezuelan Man’s Backyard

By Oliver Parken

Dec 4 7:35 PM EST

Chinese Flanker photographed with PL-17 very long-range air-to-air missile

Massive PL-17 Air-To-Air Missile Seen On Chinese J-16 Fighters Massive PL-17 Air-To-Air Missile Seen On Chinese J-16 Fighters

By Tyler Rogoway

Dec 2 2:13 PM EST

ADM-160 Miniature Air Launched Decoy Wreck Appears In Ukraine ADM-160 Miniature Air Launched Decoy Wreck Appears In Ukraine

By Tyler Rogoway

Dec 1 8:18 PM EST

Drone capture shows the detonation of a purported standoff guided version of the RBK-500 cluster bomb in Ukraine.

Russian Glide Bomb Kits Now Adapted For Cluster Munitions: Reports Russian Glide Bomb Kits Now Adapted For Cluster Munitions: Reports

By Thomas Newdick

Nov 20 2:20 PM EST

Official rendering of F-35 carrying two external LRASM missiles.

Navy Looks To Arm F-35 With Four New Missiles, Including Hellfire Navy Looks To Arm F-35 With Four New Missiles, Including Hellfire

By Thomas Newdick, Tyler Rogoway

Nov 14 6:58 PM EST

Russian air launched cruise missile

Takeaways From Russia’s Missile War On Ukraine Takeaways From Russia’s Missile War On Ukraine

By Thomas Newdick

Nov 14 12:26 PM EST

New pictures show A-10s that recently deployed to the Middle East with interesting ordnance loads.

A-10s Brandish Intriguing Mix Of Weapons In Middle East A-10s Brandish Intriguing Mix Of Weapons In Middle East

By Joseph Trevithick

Nov 8 9:58 PM EST