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 system reportedly detected and tracked the moving targets before firing AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles to complete the intercepts.

It also demonstrated its ability to operate with the Integrated Battle Command System and the Sentinel A3 air and missile defense radar to effectively neutralize the targets.

According to Leidos Vice President Dino Pusinsky, the test underscored the company’s commitment to helping the US Army stay ahead of adversaries.

It also “marks another major step forward in evaluating the overall operational capability and lethality” of the cutting-edge weapon system.

Indirect Fire Protection Capability

In September 2021, Leidos accepted a contract to develop a ground-based weapon system as part of the US Army’s Indirect Fire Protection Capability (IFPC) Increment 2 program.

The weapon is envisioned as a key component of a layered solution for protecting critical civilian and military infrastructure.

Enduring Shield is designed to bridge the gap between the service’s tactical short-range air defense systems and the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system.

In December 2023, the weapon showcased its ability to fire an experimental AIM-9X missile interceptor for the first time.

Leidos is now conducting hardware upgrades to further mature the system as part of a new contract awarded by the US Army.

“We believe this award will let us showcase the ability of the IFPC Inc. 2 system to transform warfighting capabilities as it progresses toward being declared operationally ready for our warfighters,” company senior vice president Larry Barisciano said.

The post Leidos’ Enduring Shield Intercepts Drone, Cruise Missile in Flight Test appeared first on The Defense Post.

Named the AGM-158 XR, the weapon appears to be substantially larger than its predecessors, enabling it to carry more fuel and a potential 1,000-pound (453-kilogram) armor-piercing warhead.

It also reportedly incorporates “smart” internal modifications to increase modularity and facilitate future upgrades.

While its exact strike range has not been disclosed, a Lockheed spokesperson indicated that the AGM-158 XR could exceed other JASSM and Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) variants.

It also maintains compatibility with F/A-18 and F-35 fighter jets.

Once operational, the weapon is expected to bolster the lethality of military units and increase pilot survivability by enabling strikes further away from the threat.

‘A Great Option to Consider’

Lockheed General Manager John Hill emphasized that the new weapon builds on proven production lines, established supply chains, and existing mission planning structures.

He also said the AGM-158 XR anticipates the needs of warfighters, making it “a great option” for the US Air Force to consider in the future.

The company clarified that the weapon is still in development and “several years out” from being ready for fielding.

However, it stated that initial flight testing could begin in one or two years.

“Lockheed Martin has developed the AGM-158 XR concept to offer significantly increased standoff attack range and be rapidly produced and delivered to the US military,” the firm noted.

Currently, the US Department of Defense has not yet committed to purchasing the new variant.

The post Lockheed Unveils ‘Extreme Range’ Variant of JASSM Cruise Missile appeared first on The Defense Post.

Called the Barracuda-M, the low-cost munition is designed to provide warfighters with an adaptable and upgradable capability to address both current and emerging threats.

It is equipped with a guidance system to accurately neutralize static or moving targets through body-to-body contact, supporting direct, stand-in, or stand-off strike missions.

It can be launched from a variety of ground, air, and land platforms, including the latest fighter jets, helicopters, surface vessels, and drones.

The weapon also features a range of common subsystems to ensure it can be rapidly optimized to meet evolving needs.

Variants

The Barracuda-M comes in three variants: Barracuda-100, Barracuda-250, and Barracuda-500 — each offering unique capabilities.

The Barracuda-100 is the smallest and shortest-ranged version, with a maximum payload capacity of 35 pounds (15.8 kilograms) and an operational range of up to 85 nautical miles (157 kilometers) when launched from the air.

The Barracuda-250 offers the same payload capacity, but has a greater strike range of 200 nautical miles (370 kilometers).

Anduril said this version is well-suited for combat jets and bomber aircraft, as well as for High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launchers.

The Barracuda-500, meanwhile, boasts a superior payload capacity of 100 pounds (45 kilograms) and a range not exceeding 500 miles (800 kilometers).

Supports Hyper-Scale Production

According to the manufacturer, the Barracuda-M is the “most producible cruise missile” on the market, as a single munition takes 50 percent less time to produce.

It also requires 50 percent fewer parts, enabling affordable, large-scale production.

“Barracuda is purpose-built to bring mass to the fight,” Anduril stated. “Barracuda production rates are designed to keep pace with the threat and can be doubled on-call to meet short-term surges in demand.”

The post Anduril Introduces Barracuda-M Family of Low-Cost Cruise Missiles appeared first on The Defense Post.

Defense magazine Turkish Century announced the procurement on X, noting that the warplanes are also getting an advanced avionics suite made by Ankara.

#JF17-C Block-3 Thunder fighter aircraft Azerbaijan is getting from Pakistan will reportedly have a number of Turkish avionics as well as weapon systems such as #Bozdogan IIR & #Gokdogan radar-guided missiles. PK & TR had previously combined their A2A missile programs. pic.twitter.com/PV3sW25T7n

— Turkish Century (@TurkishCentury) August 30, 2024

Developed by TÜBİTAK SAGE, the Bozdoğan missile is designed for short-range engagements of up to 25 kilometers (15 miles), making it well-suited for close combat.

It features a powerful fragmentation warhead and an infrared guidance system to ensure precision strikes.

In contrast, the Gökdoğan uses an advanced guidance system and active radar to effectively intercept beyond visual range targets.

It boasts a medium-range capability of up to 65 kilometers (40 miles).

Integrating these Turkish missiles into the JF-17 is expected to significantly enhance the aircraft’s air-to-air combat capability, providing it with a substantial tactical edge.

Dozens of JF-17 Under Order

To address its longstanding need for combat aircraft, Azerbaijan recently inked a $1.6-billion deal with Pakistan for 24 JF-17 Thunder fighter jets.

The warplanes will be in the latest Block III configuration, featuring improved avionics and weaponry, as reported by local media.

The agreement also covers unspecified ammunition and comprehensive training support to ensure that the Azerbaijan Air Force will be well-prepared to operate the aircraft.

Initial deliveries are expected to begin next year, with the full order anticipated to be completed by 2027.

A lightweight and versatile fighter jet, the JF-17 is capable of supporting various missions, including reconnaissance and close air support.

It is equipped with an active electronically scanned array radar for superior detection and tracking, and can achieve speeds exceeding Mach 2.

The aircraft is jointly developed by the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex and China’s Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corp.

The post Azerbaijan to Equip JF-17 Fighter Squadron With Turkish Missiles appeared first on The Defense Post.

The Polish top diplomat’s remarks come a week after the NATO country’s airspace was breached by what the army said was likely a drone after Russia pummelled neighboring Ukraine with deadly strikes.

Despite a week-long ground search, the suspected drone has not been found.

During a new wave of Russian aerial attacks on Monday, Poland scrambled its fighter jets to the Ukrainian border to protect its airspace.

“Membership in NATO does not trump each country’s responsibility for the protection of its own airspace — it’s our own constitutional duty,” Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski told FT in an interview.

“I’m personally of the view that, when hostile missiles are on course of entering our airspace, it would be legitimate self-defence (to strike them) because once they do cross into our airspace, the risk of debris injuring someone is significant,” he added.

Following Sikorski’s comments, a NATO official said that the alliance “has a responsibility to prevent Russia’s war from escalating further,” adding that “NATO is not a party to the conflict and NATO will not become a party to the conflict.”

“We recognise the right of every ally protect its own airspace, however what individual allies do in support of Ukraine can also matter for NATO as a whole,” said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky last week urged European nations to help down drones and missiles over Ukraine.

In March, Poland reported a breach of its airspace by a Russian cruise missile, demanding an explanation from Moscow.

A similar incident occurred in December 2023 when a Russian missile penetrated Polish airspace for several minutes before returning to Ukraine.

In November 2022, two people were killed when a Ukrainian air defense missile fell on the Polish village of Przewodow, close to the Ukrainian border.

Before the missile was identified as Ukrainian, fears were raised that NATO would be dragged into an escalation of the conflict with Russia if its collective defense provisions were triggered.

The post Poland Says Has ‘Duty’ to Down Stray Russian Missiles appeared first on The Defense Post.

This marks the first time a follow-on order was made to the massive $7.2-billion Javelin deal the service inked with Lockheed Martin and Raytheon in May 2023.

According to Javelin Joint Venture (JJV) President Andy Amaro, the additional order underscores the weapon’s reputation as the most effective and combat-proven anti-armor weapon in the world.

“Through this contract, we will continue to produce and deliver this needed capability to support global ground forces in their efforts to protect and defend their interests and sovereignty,” he said.

The JJV did not say how many Javelin missiles are covered by the follow-on order.

Ramping Up Production

In 2022, Lockheed Martin said it would ramp up the production of Javelin missiles in anticipation of a surge in demand due to the Ukraine war.

Since then, it has been producing 2,400 missiles per year — a 15-percent increase over the previous year.

But as geopolitical conflicts emerge in other parts of the world, the joint venture saw the need to further increase its production to 3,960 Javelins annually by 2026.

“This is being accomplished by employing new tooling and test equipment, improving the efficiency of our production line, and partnering with our already-active supply chain,” Lockheed stated.

Staying Ahead of Ready

The Javelin is a versatile, shoulder-fired weapon designed to neutralize tanks and other heavily armored assets.

It boasts a fire-and-forget capability, allowing operators to hit beyond line-of-sight targets.

With more than 20 years of proven performance, the weapon has been involved in major armed conflicts, including the Iraq war in 2003 and the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war.

According to JJV VP Dave Pantano, the “mission-focused” capabilities of the Javelin missiles allow military customers to “stay ahead of ready” in defending against threats.

The post US Army Increases Massive Javelin Missile Order by $1.3B appeared first on The Defense Post.

Military chief Romeo Brawner Jr. told reporters Thursday that the country wants to acquire more advanced weapons systems as threats to its sovereignty increase.

“We aim to procure the latest defense weapons, including those with medium-range capabilities,” he said.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro further revealed that Manila is now reviewing offers from various companies to find the most suitable weaponry for its armed forces.

He also said the Southeast Asian country could buy up to 40 modern aircraft, though he did not reveal what models are under consideration.

“The bidding is a secret process right now, but we are continuing to review tenders that are acceptable,” Teodoro stated.

Developing Effective Deterrence

The Philippines is confronting its most serious security threats in decades as tensions in the South China Sea have escalated recently.

Manila and Beijing have traded blame for a series of naval collisions that injured soldiers, damaged vessels, and jeopardized maritime patrols.

Brawner said the current plan to get the latest weapons systems is meant to develop an effective deterrence in the event of an armed conflict with China.

To do that, the Philippines first needs to transform its armed forces into a “world-class” military by making capability advancements and achieving a “self-reliant posture.”

The nation already has India’s BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, which it acquired as part of a $375-million deal signed in 2022.

The weapon boasts a strike range of 500 kilometers (310 miles) and can cruise at altitudes of up to 15 kilometers (9.3 miles).

The post Philippines Mulls Purchase of Mid-Range Missiles, 40 Fighter Jets appeared first on The Defense Post.

A competitive bid was opened to potential contractors from June to mid-July this year, with a new navy command leading the initiative.

A contract for the first Harpoon missile base in the southern city of Tainan was awarded on August 22, though the ministry has not disclosed the cost or which vendor won the tender.

A second agreement was sealed on Monday for another base in Pingtung County, amounting to 1.28 billion New Taiwan dollars ($40 million).

Construction for the two facilities is scheduled to begin later this month and is set to be completed by 2027.

According to local media outlets, a third Harpoon base is currently being considered.

Taiwan’s Harpoon Missiles

The construction of Harpoon missile bases in Taiwan is part of a multi-billion initiative to prepare for the arrival of the American-made weapon systems.

In 2020, the US State Department approved the sale of 100 Harpoon coastal defense systems and related equipment to the island nation for $2.37 billion.

Washington also announced a $1.1 billion arms package for Taiwan in 2022, which included $355 million for 60 Harpoon Block II missiles that can be used against Chinese vessels.

The weapons are expected to arrive in Taipei by 2030.

In service since 1977, the Harpoon anti-ship missile is known for its sea-skimming cruise trajectory that ensures high effectiveness in attacking surface ships.

Its modern variant, the Block II, expands the capabilities of the legacy missile as it now enables land-based strikes.

Preparing for 2027?

The expected completion date of the Harpoon missile bases coincides with US reports that China may launch an ambitious invasion of Taiwan by 2027.

Earlier this year, US military commander Admiral John Aquilino said the People’s Liberation Army was on track in following the given invasion timeline.

In addition to building Harpoon bases, the Taiwanese government approved a plan to establish new facilities on the east coast to protect the country’s locally-built missiles.

The post Taiwan to Build Two Harpoon Missile Bases Amid China Tensions appeared first on The Defense Post.

Speaking on the Money Maze podcast, former Chief of the General Staff Patrick Sanders warned that Britain will risk going to war with Moscow in five years if it fails to grow its supply of lethal weapons now.

He also reiterated his stance to increase the number of soldiers in the British Army to make the country capable of deterring Russia in case of an armed conflict.

According to Sanders, Moscow’s goal of attaining a quick victory in Ukraine and China saying its army needs to be ready to invade Taiwan by 2027 signal “a point of acute danger in around 2028 or so.”

“The best way to avoid that is by ensuring we are ready to fight, able to deter and prevent these conflicts from happening in this decade,” he stressed.

Sanders said he thinks the UK’s current ability to defend itself from missile attacks is “weak,” thus the need to immediately rearm its stockpiles.

Struggling Force?

The UK has pledged more than 7.6 billion pounds ($10 billion) in military aid to Ukraine since the Russian invasion began in February 2022.

Some lawmakers claimed that the donations significantly reduced the operational capability of the army, saying the service only has 157 mission-ready Challenger 2 tanks left.

The military has also been struggling with recruitment, with the UK Ministry of Defence reporting that more people quit the force than signed up last year.

“We need to ensure we can operate at scale,” Sanders stated. “That means regrowing our stockpiles, but it also means that the army … is capable of being grown rapidly.”

“All of that will take us between five and ten years.”

The post UK Needs to Regrow Stockpiles to Prevent War With Russia: Former Chief appeared first on The Defense Post.