The upcoming test will reportedly utilize Lockheed’s new vertical launch system called the Quad Launcher, which will allow the missiles to be fired from medium and large surface vessels.

The company recently showcased a model of a generic vessel equipped with four JAGM Quad Launchers, indicating its readiness for the much-awaited integration.

Lockheed did not provide a specific date for the planned live-fire demonstration.

If successful, the test could allow for the official integration of Quad Launchers on surface vessels to defeat maritime threats.

“We are still in the development phase of the vertical launch capability and demonstrating to [the] US [Department of Defense] is our near-term goal,” said Patrick Sweeney, Lockheed’s senior manager for international business development.

Potential Applications

The sea-launched JAGM test is part of a broader initiative to transform the munition into a multi-domain weapon system capable of addressing a wide variety of threats.

It can be used to engage uncrewed surface vessels and drones, similar to those used by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in the Red Sea.

Currently, the US Navy employs AGM-114 Longbow Hellfire missiles for targeting small surface vessels.

The existing version of the JAGM only allows for launch on aerial platforms, such as the AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter.

Lockheed plans to offer the sea-launched JAGM to the US military and the Australian Defence Force.

The post Lockheed Braces for First Sea-Launched JAGM Missile Test appeared first on The Defense Post.

The Spear is the first cruise missile to feature the Orchestrike collaborative weapons artificial intelligence capability, collaborating with other missiles and ground-based operators.

Its development was announced last year at the Paris Air Show.

Over 12 months, the Orchestrike’s development has moved from concept to capability, featuring connectivity, software architecture, algorithms, and artificial intelligence.

“Since it was unveiled at the Paris Air Show 2023, MBDA has rapidly developed Orchestrike from concept towards capability in twelve months,” MBDA explained.

“In particular, work has focused on refining the AI algorithms, advancing missile-to-missile datalinks, and on integrating both elements together and into SPEAR to enhance the already world-leading capabilities of the cruise missile weapon system.”

Collaborative AI Weapons

A collaborative weapons raid includes sharing of battlespace information with each other and the operator.

A coordinated strike enhances the survivability of both the missile and platform as well as overall mission success.

Moreover, the capability is designed to work within the parameters of human input, ensuring legal and ethical boundaries.

“Being at the forefront of innovation in AI highlights how MBDA has unique technologies and expertise in Europe for delivering the decisive air domain missile capabilities to enable our armed forces to defend our values and freedoms,” MBDA CEO Eric Beranger said.

Spear Missile

The Spear family of network-enabled air-to-ground weapons is designed to suppress air defenses by striking moving and fleeing targets.

It features advanced mission planning and a stand-off range of 140 kilometers (89 miles).

Moreover, the small size allows an aircraft like the F-35 to pack eight of them in its weapons bay.

The post MBDA Spear Cruise Missile to Be Upgraded With AI-Based ‘Collaborative’ Strike Capability appeared first on The Defense Post.

An AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter operated by the US Marine Corps was used to fire the live missile as part of an expeditionary strike exercise in the Philippine Sea.

According to the service, the weapon scored a direct hit against a towed target vessel, causing it to descend into the ocean.

The successful test highlighted the JAGM’s ability to defend key maritime space against hostile surface ships.

It also allowed the USMC to demonstrate its capability to “deliver precision strikes at sea and safeguard a free and open Indo-Pacific.”

In 2022, the US military tested the JAGM against land targets to further refine its employability in expeditionary advanced base operations.

Designed for High-Value Targets

Development of the AGM-179 JAGM began more than a decade ago to replace the legendary and highly reliable Hellfire missile.

It was designed for helicopters, drones, and other fixed-wing platforms to destroy high-value maritime and land targets — whether stationary or moving.

The weapon utilizes a multi-mode seeker to ensure a precision strike even in adverse weather and obscured battlefield conditions.

It also boasts a fire-and-forget capability and can withstand a variety of countermeasures.

“JAGM has repeatedly proven that it can be counted on when it matters most, providing mission-focused offensive and defense capabilities and maintaining a competitive edge against any potential adversaries,” Lockheed vice president Jerry Brode said.

In 2020, the JAGM failed to achieve its desired effects on a target during a live-fire test, prompting Lockheed to improve the missile.

The post America’s New JAGM Missile Sinks Mock Vessel in First Pacific Test appeared first on The Defense Post.

An Indian Air Force (IAF) Su-30 MK-I fighter launched the missile during the test, validating its propulsion system and control & guidance algorithm.

The anti-radiation missile is designed to strike enemy air defenses from a standoff range to enable unhindered penetration of air assets during an air attack.

It can strike a variety of enemy targets such as radars, surveillance, communication, and command and control centers.

RudraM-III in Development

A replacement for the IAF’s current Russian-origin suppression of enemy air defense Kh-31 missile, the solid-propelled RudraM-II has a range of over 300 kilometers (186 miles).

It can be launched from a range of altitudes and can detect enemy radio frequencies and radar signals from a range of 100 kilometers (62 miles).

India tested the RudraM-I four years ago.

An even more advanced version of the RudraM-II is reportedly under development with an expected range of 550 kilometers (341 miles).

The post India Flight Tests Indigenous Upgraded SEAD Missile appeared first on The Defense Post.