Lockheed Martin is promoting a new vertical-launch capability for its Joint Air-to-Ground Missile, positioning it as a flexible option for countering drones across a range of platforms.
The company says recent live-fire demonstrations of its JAGM Quad Launcher show how a missile originally designed for air-to-ground missions can be adapted for ground, vehicle and maritime-based counter-UAS roles. By enabling vertical launch, the system removes the need for a clear forward firing arc, allowing deployment from confined environments such as ship decks, rooftops or mobile platforms.
According to Lockheed Martin, this “launch-anywhere” approach is intended to improve response times and expand defensive coverage around high-value assets. The system is designed to integrate into layered defenses alongside other technologies such as electronic warfare or directed-energy systems.
“In today’s rapid-pace environment, where information, data and threats evolve faster than ever, flexibility and versatility are essential,” said Felipe Benvegnu, a business development director at the company. He added that integrating the launcher with vertical launch “broadens the defensive envelope” and enables deployment from platforms that previously could not fire missiles.
The launcher itself uses a modular, open-architecture design intended to simplify integration with existing combat systems. Lockheed Martin says this allows software updates and new sensor interfaces to be added without requiring major hardware changes. The system is also designed for use across multiple domains, including land vehicles and surface vessels, with a 360-degree engagement capability.
A recent demonstration involved mounting the launcher on a mobile 6×6 vehicle developed by Richard Childress Racing. The test included a vertical, 90-degree missile launch, highlighting the system’s ability to operate from non-traditional platforms.
Lockheed Martin emphasizes that the missile’s dual-mode seeker, combining semi-active laser guidance with millimeter-wave radar, allows it to track targets in a range of weather and lighting conditions, including small drones. The company also argues that using an existing missile design could reduce per-engagement costs compared to dedicated counter-UAS systems.
“JAGM delivers the same lethality as a purpose-built C-UAS system but at a fraction of the cost per shot,” said Casey Walsh, program director for multi-domain missile systems at Lockheed Martin.
The launcher is designed to be reloadable within minutes and includes a gas management system intended to improve safety during operation. Lockheed Martin says these features are meant to support sustained defensive operations without compromising crew or platform safety.
Further demonstrations are planned, including maritime testing in partnership with Saildrone, as the company seeks to validate the system’s adaptability across different mission sets.
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Post Image Credit: Lockheed Martin
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