Lockheed Martin has completed a successful demonstration of a 90-degree vertical launch of the Joint Air-to-Ground Missile from its JAGM Quad Launcher, according to the company.
The test took place on 15 January at China Lake, California, and marked the first time the missile has been launched vertically from the quad launcher configuration. Lockheed Martin said the demonstration was intended to assess the system’s flexibility and potential applications across multiple domains. During the event, the JAGM was used to engage a simulated unmanned aerial system threat. The launcher was mounted on a Richard Childress Racing 6×6 Mothership vehicle, providing a mobile test platform for the trial, according to the company.
Lockheed Martin said the demonstration validated the missile’s ability to operate in a full vertical-launch mode, which could support 360-degree defensive coverage when integrated onto different platforms. The company added that the test also highlighted the launcher’s adaptability for land and maritime applications.
According to Lockheed Martin, the engagement showed the missile’s ability to detect, track and neutralise aerial threats such as drones, and may also be applicable against other unmanned systems. The company said this capability is increasingly relevant as armed forces adapt to evolving uncrewed threats.
Casey Walsh, programme management director for Multi-Domain Missile Systems at Lockheed Martin, said: “The successful JQL vertical-launch demonstration confirms that JAGM can be rapidly deployed from a multimissile launcher across a variety of scenarios, while delivering the network-centric integration our global users demand.” He added: “This milestone validates our vision of a unified missile architecture that seamlessly operates across air, land and sea domains, enhancing survivability and flexibility for future combat operations.”
Edward Dobeck, director of Launching Systems at Lockheed Martin, said: “Lockheed Martin continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in vertical launch system development, driving innovation and advancement in the field.” He added: “This proven combat-ready capability meets multidomain deployment objectives today, and provides the same reliability expected of all our launching systems.”
