Versatility is the defining trait U.S. military leaders seek in modern weapons systems. As threats evolve across land, sea and air, defense officials increasingly demand tools that can serve multiple purposes across various platforms.
Lockheed Martin’s Joint Air-to-Ground Missile, or JAGM, fits that description. Officially designated the AGM-179, Lockheed developed the missile to replace the aging Hellfire and TOW systems on rotary-wing aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles. In service since 2022, the JAGM offers enhanced precision, lethality and adaptability for a wide range of battlefield scenarios.
“The missile is effective against air threats, ground threats and maritime threats,” said Mark Mahaffey, senior business development manager for Navy Guided Weapons Programs at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. “Regardless of the platform — aircraft, ships or ground systems — the missile performs against those threats.”
What sets the JAGM apart from other weapons systems?
The company developed two variants of the JAGM. Lockheed designed the first variant, the MR, for medium-range targets. Engineers tailored the other variant, the F, for fighter jets and fast-moving fixed-wing aircraft. The modular design allows operators to expand mission sets, including deploying quad launchers that they can mount on vehicles or naval vessels.
“With our concept, the ship can stay on station and reload by drawing missiles from the magazine,” Mahaffey said. “If more are needed, we can resupply the ship and keep it operational for longer periods.”
One of the missile’s most significant advancements is its dual-mode seeker, which combines a semi-active laser with an active millimeter wave sensor. This technology gives the JAGM true fire-and-forget capability, allowing operators to engage targets without maintaining a lock.
“It’s a major leap forward,” Mahaffey said. “Because of that capability, other services and platforms are considering it as an affordable option to address emerging threats.”
The missile can operate effectively in complex environments. This includes conditions like smoke, fog or battlefield debris. These advancements address a key limitation of previous systems, such as the Hellfire. The guidance system ensures precise targeting, even with compromised visibility, making it a dependable tool for operators in dynamic combat conditions.
Who will use the weapons system?
The U.S. Army, Navy and Marine Corps are the primary users of the JAGM. The Department of Defense has also approved foreign military sales to allied nations, including the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. Poland, which has ramped up its defense modernization efforts in recent years, is also planning to acquire the missile.
Lockheed Martin officials say the JAGM’s flexibility and proven performance make it a strong candidate for expanded use across NATO and other allied forces. As global threats continue to shift, the demand for multi-role, adaptable weapons systems is expected to grow.
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Author: Brett Baker
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