// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM
Standoff Weapon
A standoff weapon is a type of missile or bomb that can be launched from a long distance, far enough away that the launching aircraft or ship remains outside the range of the enemy's defenses. This allows military forces to attack targets without putting their personnel and assets directly in harm's way.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
A standoff weapon is an advanced munition, typically a guided missile or glide bomb, designed to be deployed from an airborne or surface platform at a considerable range from a target, exceeding the effective radius of the target's air defense systems, thereby enhancing the survivability of the launch platform and personnel during offensive operations against defended assets.
BACKGROUND
The AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW) is a glide bomb that resulted from a joint venture between the United States Navy and Air Force to deploy a standardized medium-range precision-guided weapon, especially for engagement of defended targets from outside the range of standard anti-aircraft defenses, thereby increasing aircraft survivability and minimizing friendly losses. It is intended to be used against soft targets such as parked aircraft, trucks, armored personnel carriers (APCs), and surface-to-air missile sites (SAMs). Prior to launch, it is given a destination through either a predesignated waypoint or a point marked through a targeting pod. It glides, using two wings that pop out for added lift, to the marked destination and dispenses submunitions in a short, roughly linear pattern. The designation of the Joint Standoff Weapon as an "air-to-ground missile" is a misnomer, as it is an unpowered bomb with guidance avionics, similar to the older GBU-15.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Stand-off missile
- Long-range precision weapon
- Remote attack weapon
- Cruise missile (often)
- Glide bomb (often)
USAGE NOTE
Standoff weapons are primarily employed for striking high-value, heavily defended targets or for suppressing enemy air defenses (SEAD) from a safe distance.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Standoff Weapon.
A global aerospace, defense, security, and advanced technologies company that develops and manufactures a wide range of standoff weapons, including various cruise missiles and precision-guided munitions such as the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) and Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM).
A major American multinational aerospace and defense conglomerate known for its development and production of advanced missile systems, including air-to-ground, air-to-air, and ship-launched standoff weapons like the Tomahawk cruise missile, Small Diameter Bomb II (SDB II), and various air-launched missiles.
A division of The Boeing Company that designs, manufactures, and supports military aircraft, satellites, and missile defense systems. They are involved in developing standoff weapons such as the Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) and Harpoon anti-ship missile.
A European multinational developer and manufacturer of missiles and missile systems. MBDA produces a comprehensive range of standoff weapons for air, land, and naval applications, including the Storm Shadow/SCALP-EG cruise missile, Meteor air-to-air missile, and Marte anti-ship missile.
A leading global aerospace and defense technology company involved in developing advanced weapons systems, including components and integration for various standoff weapon platforms. Their work includes advanced munitions, electronic warfare, and missile defense technologies that enable standoff capabilities.
A British multinational arms, security, and aerospace company that develops and manufactures advanced defense solutions. BAE Systems contributes to standoff weapon capabilities through precision-guided munitions, advanced electronic systems, and integration into various platforms.
A Swedish aerospace and defense company that offers a range of defense products, including missile systems and guided weapons that enable standoff capabilities. Their portfolio includes anti-ship missiles, air-to-surface missiles, and advanced weapon solutions.
A Norwegian defense and aerospace company known for its advanced missile systems. They are a primary developer of the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) and Joint Strike Missile (JSM), both advanced long-range precision standoff weapons.