Three air forces to double F16 jets’ smart weapon carriage capability
Morocco is one of three MENA nations whose air forces will receive L3Harris BRU-57/A weapon release systems under the recent contract. (Photo: USAF)
L3Harris Technologies has announced a $29 million contract to provide smart weapon release systems to air forces in the Middle East and North Africa.
The Bomb Release Unit BRU-57/A will allow F-16 fighter aircraft in the air forces of Bahrain, Jordan and Morocco to carry two smart weapons on each hardpoint instead of one, doubling munitions capacity. The unit is compatible with 500 and 1,000lb guided weapons.
‘Our release systems provide extra offensive capabilities while giving commanders the versatility to deploy the right firepower for every mission,’ said Ed Zoiss, president, Space and Airborne Systems, L3Harris.
Related Articles
Tensions flare as Morocco and Algeria consider new fighter jets
Raytheon boosts US allies’ F-15 and F-16 fighter jets
Bahrain to receive first batch of F-16Vs in 2024
The indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract includes an initial lot of 105 release systems. The BRU-57/A entered service in 1999, with more than 1,100 ordered to date.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
Saab shows uncrewed concept and accelerates programme with first flight due in 2027
Saab expects to fly two collaborative combat aircraft demonstrators, A1 and A2, before the end of the decade, but has stressed that the A3-001 mock-up unveiled on 21 August is only a concept for what could follow in the 2030s.
-
GKN Aerospace begins engine tests for drone design as part of contract signed in November
A mock-up displayed by GKN Aerospace on 21 August is planned to have a maximum range between 600km and more than 1,000 km with a payload capacity of 100-300kg.
-
Pentagon’s 800% PAC-3 MSE surge faces production bottleneck as Patriot demand soars
The Pentagon wants to procure 3,203 PAC-3 MSE interceptors in FY2027, but production constraints and international demand could impact efforts to rebuild depleted missile stocks.