Lockheed Martin, 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 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.

Content shown outside its original language is machine translated and condensed.