Raytheon begins full rate production on TALON Laser Guided Rockets for the UAE

Under a $117 million contract awarded to Raytheon Company, Raytheon Missile Systems has begun production of the TALON Laser Guided Rocket. In 2013, the Armed Forces General Headquarters of the United Arab Emirates awarded Tawazun a contract to procure the TALON Laser Guided Rocket.

“Full rate production of the TALON LGR is a significant milestone for Raytheon and the program,” said Darryl Kreitman, Raytheon TALON program director. “UAE defense manufacturing industry participated in development of this revolutionary system and the end user can now benefit from this laser guided precision capability.”

Under the contract, Raytheon will maintain full integration of the TALON system into the UAE Armed Forces to include logistics, training and warranty support. Raytheon is also exploring options to integrate TALON onto NIMR armored vehicles which are now serving in different units of the UAE Armed Forces.

Earlier this year, the U.S. Army awarded TALON Air Worthiness Certification on the Apache attack helicopter.  During TALON’s development and test program, Raytheon completed more than 35 TALON firings from the AH-64D Apache, resulting in a solution that is ready for international direct commercial sales customers today.

About TALON
The TALON LGR is a low-cost, digital semi-active laser guidance and control kit co-developed with the United Arab Emirates. The TALON guidance section fits directly to the front of the legacy 2.75-inch Hydra-70 unguided rocket.  TALON’s architecture and ease of employment make it a low-cost, highly-precise weapon for missions in urban environments, as well as counter insurgency and swarming boat defense missions.  TALON is fully compatible with existing airborne and ground laser designators.

About Tawazun
Borne out of the long-established Tawazun Economic Council, Tawazun was created in 2007 to develop ventures through industrial partnerships and strategic investments that add value to the UAE’s industrial manufacturing sector across a number of areas: defense & aerospace, automotive, munitions, metals and technology. Tawazun has established itself as an active industrial investor both locally and internationally by partnering with a hand-picked selection of world-class market leaders to build skills, expertise, products and systems in the UAE. Its investment strategy is designed to drive change within the marketplace, while its aim is to inspire emerging companies by providing strong and consistent support to aid their future expansion.