Lockheed Martin has unveiled further details about its Mako hypersonic missile, an advanced, multi-mission weapon designed for the US Air Force and international customers.
The Mako hypersonic missile has been in development since 2017 as part of the US Air Force’s Stand-in Attack Weapon (SiAW) program. This initiative sought to create an affordable yet hypersonic missile, a logical response to the global shift from counterinsurgency to peer-to-peer conflicts, where sheer firepower is crucial.
First revealed at the Sea Air Space 2024 exposition, Lockheed Martin describes the Mako as a “missile of 13s”: 13 inches in diameter, 13 feet long, weighing 1,300 pounds, and capable of carrying a 130-pound payload. While specific details remain classified, the Mako is powered by a simple solid rocket booster and can be launched from various aircraft, including the F-35A, F-35B, F/A-18, F-16, F-15, P-8, F-22, and F-35C.
Named after the fastest shark in the ocean, the Mako stands out for its cost-effectiveness. Hypersonic missiles typically come with high costs, but the Mako mitigates this through an all-digital, open-architecture design, rapid development via 3D printing, and extensive use of proven technology. This innovative approach avoids the need to “reinvent the wheel,” making the missile adaptable for various missions. For example, the guidance system, produced through 3D printing, costs one-tenth and is ten times faster to manufacture than traditional methods.
Though Lockheed Martin has not disclosed the Mako’s top speed or range, it will exceed five times the speed of sound. Likely serving as a stand-off weapon, it relies on speed and stealth features. Notably, its compact size allows it to fit inside the F-35A Lightning II’s weapon bay, enabling the aircraft to carry up to six hypersonic missiles—an unprecedented capability.
Furthermore, if deployed on ships or submarines, the Mako can be integrated into existing vertical launch systems, eliminating the need for specialized launchers.
In light of Russia and China’s development of advanced air defense systems, especially following Russia’s challenges in achieving air dominance during its invasion of Ukraine, the Mako and similar systems aim to counter these threats. By producing large stockpiles of affordable hypersonic weapons, the Mako can target both air defenses and high-value assets effectively.
Source: Lockheed Martin