Wild Weasel

Wild Weasel is a United States Air Force code name for aircraft equipped with anti-radiation missiles to suppress enemy air defenses. These aircraft provoke enemy radar targeting, trace the emissions to their source, and attack radar and surface-to-air missile installations. The concept was developed in 1965 during the Vietnam War after Soviet surface-to-air missiles downed American strike aircraft. Its missions were initially authorized under the operational code Iron Hand.

Role

Suppression of enemy air defenses

Developed

1965, during the Vietnam War

Initial operational code

Iron Hand