Lockheed Martin to Showcase JAGM Vertical Launch for Multi-Domain Missile Systems

Picture: Concept art of a Lockheed Martin JAGM flying over water. (Lockheed Martin)

Lockheed Martin is preparing for a live-fire demonstration of its Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM) vertical launch system next year, as part of its strategy to develop a family of “multi-domain missile systems.” The company aims to offer this advanced weaponry to both the US and Australia.

At the recent Land Forces exhibition in Melbourne, Australia, Lockheed Martin revealed a model resembling the US Navy’s MkVI Patrol Boat, equipped with four JAGM Quad Launchers (JQLs). This vertical launch system is designed to deploy JAGM missiles from surface vessels and ground vehicles, such as the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle.

The JAGM incorporates the warhead of the AGM-114R Hellfire Romeo and integrates additional multi-mode seekers, including millimetre wave (MMW) radar for fire-and-forget capabilities. This enables it to engage multiple moving targets, such as slow-moving aircraft, helicopters, and unmanned aerial systems (UAS).

If integrated on surface vessels, this would mark JAGM’s first maritime deployment. Currently, its predecessor, the AGM-114 Longbow Hellfire, is used on US Navy Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) in the Middle East for countering small surface threats.

Lockheed Martin sees future applications of the JAGM system for engaging unmanned surface and aerial threats, which have become prominent in regions like the Red Sea. The company is also promoting JAGM to international partners, including the Australian Defence Forces (ADF), with plans to equip the ADF’s incoming AH-64E Apache helicopters.

The JAGM Medium Range (MR) variant, still in development, promises to double the missile’s range to 16 kilometres, and could be integrated into Australia’s Land 8710 Littoral Manoeuvre Vessel program for over-the-beach fire support.