New missile allows Marine pilots to strike far, avoid air defenses
Marine fighter pilots now have a missile that can strike targets up to 230 miles away, keeping aviators out of the range of many enemy air defense systems.
In late August, personnel with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 11 and Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 232 out of Miramar, California, became the first to run ordnance operations with the missile - the AGM-158A - using F/A-18 Hornet aircraft, Marine officials said.
The Air Force first used the air-to-ground missile in combat in 2018, firing it from B-1B Lancer bombers to strike a Syrian chemical weapons manufacturer, according to the statement.
"The (missile) not only surpasses the capabilities of any other weapon currently in the Hornet's extensive weapons portfolio, but also the Marine Corps at large," said Maj. Bradley Kirby, an aviation ordnance officer with 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/new-missile-allows-marine-pilots-to-strike-far-avoid-air-defenses/ar-AA1qI26A?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=HCTS&cvid=e524f4d1eff94a3cbf7f003e4d3e4330&ei=50
