A modular weapon carriage and deployment (MWCD) system includes a strongback structure mountable to an aircraft. Left and right guide struts have respective upper ends attached to the strongback structure in spaced lateral positions. Each guide strut extends downward in a parallel arrangement. Each guide strut comprising a vertically-extending first engaging surface. Left and right suspension modules are engageable to opposite lateral sides of a first airborne store. Each suspension module includes a vertical channel that receives the engaging surface of the corresponding one of the left and right guide struts for relative vertical translation. A locking mechanism controllably locks to first engaging surface of the corresponding one of the left and right guide struts.