The US Navy has officially approved Raytheon’s StormBreaker smart weapon for operational deployment on the F/A‑18E/F Super Hornet, enhancing the strike fighter’s capabilities to execute precision strikes against both moving and fixed targets in various weather conditions.
StormBreaker is characterized as an all-weather, network-enabled smart munition that enables pilots to autonomously detect, classify, and engage targets at long ranges. This capability significantly minimizes the exposure of aircraft to hostile threats during missions.
Equipped with a tri-mode seeker, the weapon combines millimeter-wave radar, imaging infrared, and semi-active laser guidance. Its compact design allows a single aircraft to carry multiple munitions, thereby increasing mission flexibility and efficiency.
Previously integrated on the F‑15E Strike Eagle, StormBreaker made its initial appearance on a US Navy platform in 2023, beginning to equip Super Hornets with its advanced capabilities. Raytheon officials emphasize that the weapon’s accuracy and versatility equip operators with an undeniable advantage in degraded operational environments.
In addition to being approved for the F/A‑18E/F, StormBreaker is also designated for use on the F‑15E and is currently undergoing integration across all variants of the F‑35 Joint Strike Fighter, broadening its applicability across major US combat air platforms.
Internationally, StormBreaker has gained significant traction through Foreign Military Sales (FMS) and partnerships with allied nations. The Royal Norwegian Air Force incorporated the munition into its F‑35A fleet as early as 2022, aiming to fortify its operational capabilities with standoff precision strike options effective in adverse weather conditions. The US government granted approval for this sale in 2023.
Additionally, a contract awarded by the US Air Force in January 2024 promises the delivery of over 1,500 StormBreaker smart weapons to several NATO allies, including Germany, Italy, and Finland.
Expanding beyond its air-launched capabilities, Raytheon successfully completed a test of a ground-launched variant of StormBreaker in 2025, reflecting the company’s ongoing efforts to broaden the weapon’s deployment modalities and enhance its functionality across various platforms.
