Lockheed Martin doubles JAGM missile range for F-35 Lightning II, MQ-1C Gray Eagle, MQ-9 Reaper, AH-64 Apache and Mk 41 vertical launch systems

Lockheed Martin is developing an air-to-ground missile as part of the AGM-179 Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM) program.

. Recently, the manufacturer tested a version of the missile with an increased launch range.

What is known

AGM-179 JAGM will replace AGM-114 missilesHellfire, AGM-65 Maverick and BGM-71 TOW. The regular version has a launch range of 8 km. In November, Lockheed Martin tested the JAGM-MR (Medium Range) version. It is capable of hitting targets at a distance of 16 km. The tests took place at China Lake Naval Base in California.

A promising rocket has a three-mode headhoming. This was one of the requirements at the start of JAGM development. However, at the competitive development stage, this was abandoned, preferring a dual-mode seeker. The reason was the high cost.

JAGM will enter service with the Marine CorpsInfantry, Navy and US Army. The missile will be compatible with F-35 Lightning II fighters, Mk 41 vertical launch system, AH-6 Little Bird, OH-58 Kiowa, AH-1Z Viper, MH-60 Black Hawk, MH-60R/S Seahawk and AH-64 helicopters Apache, as well as the MQ-1C Gray Eagle and MQ-9 Reaper drones.