Lockheed Martin and Saildrone launch JAGM missiles from unmanned vessel during RIMPAC

Published Aug 20, 01:01 PM UTC

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.