US Unveils Hypersonic Missile For F-35 Stealth Fighters; Lockheed Says Can Be Used On F-22, F-16, F-15 Jets

Significance Of Mako Hypersonic Missile

Defense expert Stefano DUrso pointed out, The new hypersonic missile is being publicly displayed for the first time since the development began. The F-35 can carry four Mako missiles externally and two internally, one for each weapon bay, making it the first hypersonic weapon compatible with the 5th gen aircraft.

DUrsos observation illuminates a crucial aspect of Makos design: None of the current hypersonic weapons in development are small enough to fit in the F-35s weapon bays. 

Besides, the Lockheed Martin Hypersonic Air-breathing Weapon Concept stands out as the sole option capable of external carriage. 

Meanwhile, specific details behind Lockheed Martins decision to partner with CoAspire on Mako were not outlined explicitly. However, CoAspires website sheds some light on the matter. 

https://www.eurasiantimes.com/f-35-gets-hypersonic-missile-lockheed-unv…