Network-enabled JSOW C-1 delivered to Navy

PATUXENT RIVER, Md., June 21 (UPI) -- The U.S. Navy's first air-to-ground network-enabled weapon, the Joint Standoff Weapon, or JSOW, C-1, was delivered to the fleet after achieving initial operational capability earlier this month.

The Raytheon-built weapon completed operational testing against sea and land targets, providing more lethality and accuracy for deployed air wings, Naval Air Systems Command said in a statement.

This iteration of JSOW is integrated with a Link 16 network radio, allowing the weapon to engage moving maritime targets.

The two-way datalink allows the F/A-18E/F and F-35A/C launch aircraft or another controller to provide real-time target updates to the weapon, shift it to a different target or abort the mission.

It will also allow enemy engagement from longer distances and offer the flexibility for direct attack even if enemy air defenses deny access to the jets.