Paving The Way: the Latest Weapon Against the Taliban

A next-generation precision guided bomb that can hit targets 24 hours a day and in all-weathers has entered service with the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force as part of a 400M programme.>> The weapon, known as Paveway IV will be fitted to the Harrier GR9s, Tornado GR4s, Typhoon and ultimately the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF).>> The highly sophisticated weapon, provided by Raytheon Systems Ltd, UK, can be guided on to a target through use of Global Positioning System satellite technology or through laser guidance.>> Pilots can programme the weapon from the cockpit from the ground for pre-planned missions or while the aircraft is in flight using data provided by the aircraft's on-board sensors. The Paveway IV can also be reprogrammed mid-flight should targets alter or to reflect changes to conditions on the ground.>> Minister for Defence Equipment and Support, Quentin Davies, said:>> "Paveway IV is providing our Armed Forces with the very best technology for operations with its all-weather, day and night precision bombing capability. The Paveway IV's sophisticated guidance system and sensors will give new levels of flexibility to our pilots allowing them to switch targets mid-flight and rapidly respond to changing factors on the ground. This is a highly sophisticated weapon which will be used across our fast jet fleet from Harriers, Tornados to Typhoons.">> The Defence Equipment and Support project team leader Captain Howard Holdsworth, Royal Navy said:>> "Paveway IV will provide those at the front line with a hugely flexible and very welcome capability. This is the culmination of a tremendous amount of hard work on the part of the stakeholder community, both in the MoD and Industry. We can be justifiably proud of our achievements; Paveway IV is a very capable weapon system indeed.