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Lockheed Martin's new Mako missile is a response to the Kinzhal missile.



The Mako is a new multi-mission missile. The hypersonic system is the tool. That gives improved strike capacity to F-35C and other aircraft. Mako fits into those aircraft's internal weapon bay, and it doesn't break its stealth shape. Other launch platforms are the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, EA-18G Growler, F-16, F-15 F-35A/B/C, F-22, P-8A Poseidon, surface ships and submarines (via Vertical launching system, VLS).

The missile itself uses a solid rocket engine. That makes it quite similar to the Kinzhal missile. The technology that this missile uses is not as fundamental. As it could be.  But the speed over Mach 5 makes it capable of striking against sea, land, and limited air targets. 

The Mako is deadly even without a warhead. The kinetic energy impact is very destructive. In comparison, the 30 mm. GAU-8 "Avenger" cannon shoots uranium ammunition to targets with speed Mach 1,5. One hit of that ammunition destroys the main battle tank. The speed of Mako is higher, and its weight is higher. 



That means it transfers very much more energy to the target. The thing is that Mako can also be the base for the next-generation small-satellite carrier. The small-size miniature satellites can also used as anti-satelite, ASAT weapons. All satellites that impact with 1,5-2 kg miniature satellites will destroyed. The Swedish Air Force researches the JAS-39 "Gripen's" ability to carry and launch satellite carriers. And those satellite launchers can also operate as ASAT weapons. 

The Mako is a powerful tool that allows the aircraft and maybe other tools an improved strike capacity. Maybe developers can also fit Mako on the top of rockets or missiles. And that gives improved strike capacity to Minuteman missiles. The fact is that the Mako is a response to Russian and Chinese hypersonic missiles. And the world has waiting for this kind of weapon. 

Then we can look forward, and say that maybe the successor for Mako is already on the design tables. The world is holding its breath while waiting for the new air-breathing, scramjet, or Ramjet missiles. Companies like Nammo are working with air-breathing ramjet-driven ammunition, that uses solid fuel. That technology makes it possible to create more powerful and small-size missiles than today. 


https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/swedish-air-force-explores-using-saab-jas-39-gripen-to-launch-nanosatellites


https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/news/features/2024/mako-a-hypersonic-missile-thats-more-than-ready.html


https://www.navalnews.com/event-news/sea-air-space-2024/2024/04/lockheed-martin-unveils-mako-hypersonic-missile/


https://theaviationist.com/2024/04/10/lockheed-martin-unveils-new-mako-hypersonic-missile-which-can-be-carried-internally-by-the-f-35/


https://theaviationist.com/2024/08/01/swedish-gripens-for-satellite-launches/


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mako_(missile)


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vertical_launching_system

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