Lockheed Martin and Saildrone test JAGM twin launcher from USV off Hawaii

Published Aug 22, 05:59 AM UTC

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.

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