Raytheon To Develop Semiactive Laser Rocket With UAE Firm

Raytheon Company and UAE firm Emirates Advanced Investments have announced they will jointly develop a semiactive laser guided 70mm rocket designed to provide increased precision and lethality compared with conventional unguided rockets.

Under the cooperative development agreement, the Laser Guided Rocket programme represents a transfer of technology to the UAE.

Subject to approval of the respective companies' governments, Raytheon Missile Systems and Emirates Advanced Investments will produce the laser guided rocket for national and international customers.

The rocket is designed to destroy targets ranging from tactical armoured vehicles to high-speed naval craft and will provide a very affordable precision weapon for attack helicopters, Emirates says.

By Elizabeth Clifford-Marsh