Unmanned Saildrone Fires JAGM Missiles in RIMPAC Exercise off Hawaii
During the RIMPAC 2026 exercise off Hawaii, Lockheed Martin and Saildrone successfully launched two Joint Air-to-Ground Missiles (JAGM) from a Saildrone Surveyor unmanned surface vessel (USV) using the U.S. Navy's ARES combat system. The test, coordinated with the USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group, demonstrated precision strike and passive electronic warfare capabilities. The six-month development partnership aims to integrate containerized launchers and anti-submarine warfare systems on larger USV platforms for the Navy and allies.
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Lockheed Martin and Saildrone Test JAGM Twin Launcher from Unmanned Surface Vessel off Hawaii
Lockheed Martin and Saildrone announced a successful live-fire demonstration off the coast of Hawaii, where a Saildrone Surveyor-class unmanned surface vessel (USV) launched two Joint Air-to-Ground Missiles (JAGM) from a twin launcher integrated with the U.S. Navy's ARES remote-controlled combat system. The test, conducted in coordination with the USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group and during RIMPAC 2026 under the Fleet Experimentation Program (FLEX), demonstrated the USV's ability to respond to target data from a simulated high-speed surface vessel. The team also showcased passive electronic warfare capabilities by detecting a simulated threat radar with an MH-60S helicopter. Developed from concept to execution in six months, the test highlights rapid integration of proven munitions into commercial USVs. Lockheed Martin and Saildrone plan further tests, including containerized systems like the Mk70 launcher and SURTASS towed array on the larger Saildrone Spectre platform, to accelerate deployable kinetic and electronic warfare capabilities for the U.S. Navy and allies.
Hawaii: JAGM Twin Launcher Fires from USV Platform
Lockheed Martin and Saildrone successfully conducted a live-fire demonstration off the coast of Hawaii, launching two JAGM missiles from a Saildrone Surveyor-class unmanned surface vehicle (USV) equipped with an ARES fire control system. The test, conducted in coordination with the USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group and the U.S. Navy, demonstrated the USV's ability to engage a simulated high-speed surface vessel using targeting data. The demonstration also included passive electronic warfare capabilities in conjunction with an MH-60S helicopter. The event took place under the U.S. Navy Fleet Experimentation Program (FLEX) during the RIMPAC 2026 exercise. The partnership aims to rapidly integrate proven defense technologies into commercial USVs, with future plans for larger platforms like the Saildrone Spectre and containerized systems such as the Mk70 missile launcher.
Hawaii: JAGM Twin Launcher Fires from Saildrone Surveyor USV Platform
Lockheed Martin and Saildrone announced a successful live-fire demonstration off the coast of Hawaii, where a Saildrone Surveyor-class unmanned surface vehicle (USV) launched two Joint Air-to-Ground Missiles (JAGM) from a twin launcher integrated with the U.S. Navy's ARES remote-controlled combat system. The test, conducted in coordination with the USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group and under the U.S. Navy Fleet Experimentation Program (FLEX) during RIMPAC 2026, demonstrated interoperability by engaging a simulated high-speed surface vessel. The team also showcased passive electronic warfare capabilities with an MH-60S helicopter. The event, realized from concept to execution in six months, proves rapid integration of proven munitions into commercial USVs. Lockheed Martin and Saildrone plan further tests, including larger containerized systems like the Mk70 launcher on the Saildrone Spectre platform, to accelerate deployment of autonomous kinetic capabilities for the U.S. Navy and allies.
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Saildrone Fires JAGM Missile from Surveyor USV at RIMPAC
During the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise, Saildrone launched two Lockheed Martin JAGM (Joint Air-to-Ground Missile) missiles from its Surveyor-class uncrewed surface vessel (USV). The event, reported by Defence Blog, marks a significant demonstration of unmanned naval platforms integrating advanced precision strike capabilities. The JAGM is a multi-mode, air-to-ground missile designed for use against stationary and moving targets. This test highlights the growing role of autonomous systems in naval warfare and the expansion of USV weaponization.
Lockheed Martin and Saildrone Launch JAGM Missiles from Unmanned Vessel During RIMPAC
During the U.S. Navy's Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise off the coast of Hawaii, Saildrone launched two Lockheed Martin Joint Air-to-Ground Missiles (JAGM) from a Saildrone Surveyor unmanned surface vehicle (USV). This marked the first missile launches from a Saildrone platform. The launches were sponsored by the U.S. Navy Fleet Experimentation Program and used the Navy's Adjunct Remote Engagement System (ARES) combat system. The Surveyor operated in coordination with the USS Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group-9, engaging a surrogate high-speed surface craft. The demonstration followed a six-month joint development partnership between Saildrone and Lockheed Martin, announced in October 2025. Saildrone emphasized that any decision to fire remains under human control and that the demonstration does not involve autonomous weapons. The company also deployed a passive electronic warfare sensor during the same exercise. Future plans include integrating the Lockheed Martin Mk 70 launcher and towed arrays for anti-submarine warfare on the larger Saildrone Spectre USV.