The AGM-65 Maverick is a tactical air-to-surface missile designed to strike a wide range of surface fixed or moving targets. Maverick can be released from safe range minimizing exposure to the enemy's air defenses. AGM-65 is a modular design weapon allowing a different combination of warhead and guidance package. Due to this the Maverick evolved from TV-guided A model to current CCD-TV-guided H/K models. Maverick was used during operation Desert Storm, in 1991, achieving 85% of success rate. All Maverick models are powered by a single Thiokol TX-481 solid-propellant rocket motor.

The Maverick missile can be fired from virtually any western aircraft fighter. It has also been integrated on helicopters. For example AH-1W Super Cobra and New Zealand's Sea Sprite helicopters. Due to its characteristics Maverick is suitable even against small ships or boats. From 1972 to date more than 65,000 Maverick missiles have been produced for the United States and 27 international customers.

The AGM-65E was developed to meet the USMC requirements. It features a laser seeker and a penetration/blast fragmentation warhead in lieu of previous models shape-charge warhead. USMC's Harrier and Hornet aircraft use this missile to destroy reinforced ground targets and ships.