HERE'S WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM THE ARMY'S NEW STINGER MISSILE
For decades, warfare has had several recurring elements, even as locations and techniques ebbed and flowed. One of the mainstays on the battlefield has been the Stinger missile. Formally known as the FIM-92 Stinger, these weapons protect American troops and are very effective. Over 90% of the time, Stingers deliver, but America isn’t about being good, it’s not even about being great…it’s about being the best. This is exactly why the U.S. Army is looking for an upgrade, and solutions appear to be on their way. Read next:What Is a Hypersonic Missile and How Is the U.S. Mitigating Their Threat?
Who Makes Stinger Missiles?
Raytheon Missiles & Defense manufacturers Stinger missiles. The weapon has been in production since 1978 and has been used on the battlefield since 1981. The U.S. military, along with 29 other countries, utilizes the weapon. Both Airbus Defence and Space in Germany and Roketsan in Turkey also produce Stinger missiles.
What Is a Stinger Missile?
Stinger anti-aircraft missiles are surface-to-air missiles that can defend against aircraft. The FIM-92 Stinger man-portable air defense missile system fires infrared homing-guided/negative ultraviolet (UV) heat-seeking missiles. In addition to being fired from Soldiers on the ground, modifications can be made to the weaponry for Stingers to be used in the air as an air-to-air defense weapon. They're commonly used in this fashion on helicopters to fight enemy aircraft.
How Much Does a Stinger Missile Cost?
It’s difficult to understand the exact Stinger missile cost; however, after America sent around 1,400 Stinger missiles to Ukraine, the government shelled out $624 million for a new contract to replenish our Stinger missile stock with 1,300 new missiles. What else is in that contract? We may never know; however, based on this information alone, this would put the total price at a whopping $480,000 for a Stinger missile. For reference, the median sales price of a home in the U.S. is somewhat in the ballpark (but still south of this figure).
A New Generation Is Coming
The Army’s short-range air defense (SHORAD) leaders are looking to replace the Stinger missile for an updated form of protection for troops in all branches. Beginning in fiscal year 2023, the plan is to award a contract with design and development ongoing through 2028. The main goal of the Army with this contract is to create a weapon that is not only more lethal but that's also able to have a larger effective range. The initiative to upgrade from Stinger missiles is also focusing on being used as a part of a SHORAD system and being portable for troops. In the meantime, improvements to current weaponry have been made. This includes the ability to eliminate the need to hit targets for missiles to work. The Proximity Fuze (PROX) ability means that the warhead can explode near the target even before contact. A great feature for disabling unmanned vehicles.
Can a Stinger Missile Hit a Jet?
Yes, a Stinger missile can shoot down a jet. The warhead used by Stinger missiles makes them great for hitting aircraft, but can a Stinger missile hit a tank? Maybe; however, it wouldn’t be nearly as effective as an anti-tank weapon, such as the Javelin. One of the biggest factors that can hinder a Stinger anti-aircraft missile from hitting a jet is distance. If the jet is too far or too high, then the effectiveness might drop, making it an invalid option. Weaponry is evolving. Improvements to anti-aircraft weapons are a natural evolution, and it’s a logical idea that the newer weapons will hit harder and farther than their predecessors. The Stinger missile won’t be gone overnight, and it's continuing to showcase its tremendous staying power. Overall, if this is the beginning of the end, the weapon has etched a place in history as a destructive force capable of defending America and its allies. Suggested read:How The Missile Defense System Protects America
The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement. Photo by Lance Cpl. Rachel Young-Porter Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms
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