Raytheon to build the means to launch shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles from helicopters and UAVs

Published on August 13, 2025

Summary points:

  • Order enables helicopters and unmanned aircraft to launch FIM-92 Stinger missiles, expanding their air defense capabilities.
  • Upgraded launchers enable Stinger missiles, originally designed for ground use, to fire from aircraft, with improved infrared targeting and nighttime capabilities.
  • Stinger air-to-air launchers feature advanced targeting upgrades for enhanced accuracy and off-axis seeker lock-on, supporting various military aircraft.

QUANTICO MARINE BASE, Va. – U.S. Marine Corps aerial weapons experts needed a way to launch ground-based shoulder-fired FIM-92 Stinger anti-aircraft missiles from helicopters and uncrewed aircraft. They found a solution from the RTX Corp. Raytheon segment in Tucson, Ariz.

Officials of the Marine Corps Systems Command at Quantico Marine Base, Va., announced a $51.9 million order to Raytheon last month for Stinger air-to-air launchers for helicopters like the AH-64 Apache, UH-60 Black Hawk, OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopters, as well as from uncrewed aircraft like the MQ-1 Predator.

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