The air-to-surface missile category has been one of the most dynamic market segments in recent years, but Teal Group expects that it will endure a slump in the late forecast period due to the end of the heavy bow-wave of new US programs such as JDAM, JSOW, WCMD and others. The US aside, spending in this market in other regions is likely to remain significant. A number of technological trends have been drive this, notably the integration of GPS Global Positioning Satellite navigation systems into guided bombs and stand-off weapons. The excellent performance of precision guided munitions in Operation Desert Storm, the 1999 Kosovo air campaign, Afghanistan in 2001, and Iraq in 2003 will continue to be an important stimulus in this market.
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