HAWK

The development of the MIM-23 HAWK (Homing All the Way Killer) Surface-to-air system commenced in 1953. A year later the US Army awarded a full-scale development contract to Raytheon for the missile and Northrop to provide the launcher and ground equipment. The first test firing took place in June 1956 with Initial Operational Capability in 1960. Currently the HAWK missile system is fielded in 17 countries, six of those being NATO allies.