By PIERRE TRAN – Raytheon is replying to a French request for pricing information for the supply of additional Paveway II and Enhanced Paveway II guided bombs, Giles Deshcars, managing director of Raytheon France, said June 14 at the Eurosatory trade show.

Paveway II LGB Delivery Methods / Raytheon

The Paveway II is a laser-guided bomb, while the Enhanced Paveway II is a dual-mode GPS/laser-guided version.

The French authorities have asked for prices of ordering batches of the weapons, to be delivered over the next five years for the Super Etendard Modernisé strike fighter flown by the French Navy. The information would allow the French government to order batches of 100 or more at a time.

The Super Etendard of the Fleet Air Arm, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, flies close air support missions with the Paveway ordnance in the Afghan theatre.

The American-built bombs have not yet been qualified on the Rafale, as the weapons require integration with the sophisticated onboard avionics of the more advanced strike fighter.