The U.S. Navy has awarded a $49.5 million contract to Raytheon Company for production of new laser-guided Maverick missiles — AGM-65E2/L — as well as $5.4 million for additional units in the future.

The new Laser Maverick weapon system, which is the result of a joint Navy and U.S. Air Force developmental and operational testing program, is a forward-firing, precision-guided, close-air support missile. It is effective against a wide variety of fixed, stationary, moving and maneuvering targets.

The AGM-65E2/L unit features a digital laser seeker and can precisely engage land- and sea-based high-speed moving targets. It also offers advanced flight algorithms, as well as compatibility with existing F/A-18, AV-8B, F-16 and A-10C operational flight program integration.

“The enhanced Laser Maverick provides the U.S. warfighter with even greater capabilities that will meet today’s and tomorrow’s threats,” said Mike Jarrett, vice president of Raytheon’s air warfare systems.

For more information, visit: www.raytheon.com.