The US Air Force completed developmental testing (DT) of Raytheon Company’s AGM-65 E2/L, the newest variant of the combat-proven laser-guided Maverick missile, clearing the way for the weapon to enter operational testing (OT).

The laser-guided Maverick missile is a direct-attack, air-to-ground precision munition used extensively by the US Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps in the ongoing combat operations. The Maverick family of missiles is integrated on more than 25 aircraft and in the inventory of more than 33 nations.

“Subject to the approval of the US government, Raytheon’s laser-guided Maverick could be integrated on the Indian Air Force’s medium multi-role combat aircraft, and other western planes in the Indian inventory, like the Jaguar,” said Peter Wray, Raytheon Missile Systems Vice President India. “If this weapon is approved for release, Indian air warriors could benefit greatly from the incredible combat capability Maverick brings to the battle.”

During the test effort, the Air Force conducted aircraft integration as well as laboratory and flight tests of the new laser-guided Maverick on the A-10, F-16, AV-8B and F/A-18 aircraft. Air Force DT culminated in a series of three live-fire shots against moving and static targets from an A-10 and F-16 fighter aircraft. The Navy is expected to complete its flight testing this summer.