Israel and the United States are developing an air-to-ground
missile for the F-16 multi-role fighter. The missile is called the
Have Lite and is a smaller and lighter version of Israel's Popeye
missile. The Popeye has been deployed on the F-15 fighter-jet,
however, it is regarded as too heavy for the smaller F-16.
The Have Lite development program is a joint venture of Lockheed
Martin and Rafael, Israel Armament Development Authority. About
three years ago, both companies signed an agreement to develop
a lighter version of the Popeye, called the AGM-142 in the United
States, for the F-16. Turkey has expressed interest in purchasing
the Have Lite.
Lockheed Martin has reported the first flight test of the Have Light
aboard an F-16. The company reported recently that the test was a
success and that the pilot launched and controlled the weapon
during flight. The missile struck a stationary target at the Utah Test
Range in Ogden, Utah, in a demonstration showing that the Have
Lite could follow a planned mission route.