L3Harris has been selected by the U.S. Naval Air Systems Command to develop, test and manufacture its Red Wolf vehicle for the U.S. Marine Corps’ Precision Attack Strike Munition programme, the company stated.
According to L3Harris, the Red Wolf system is intended to address what it described as a capability gap by providing long-range precision strike options suited to modern conflict environments. The company said the selection follows 52 launched effects vehicle flights, including a recent low-altitude test firing from a Marine Corps AH-1Z helicopter.
Christopher Kubasik, Chairman and CEO of L3Harris, said recent operational trends highlight the need for more affordable precision munitions. “Recent conflicts and incursions over NATO airspace, particularly with the increased use of mass-produced drones, demonstrates the urgent need for cost-effective alternatives to exquisite munitions,” he said. “Our proven Red Wolf system can bring affordable mass to the Marine’s arsenal of advanced munitions within the timeline U.S. officials have outlined to support the most lethal fighting force in the world.”
L3Harris said Red Wolf is designed to extend the range of weapons launched from vertical take-off and landing platforms to distances of 200 nautical miles, significantly beyond the range of other rocket-launched missiles.
The company stated that the system’s beyond line-of-sight communications and autonomous over-the-horizon engagement capability are intended to increase the number of aircraft available for strike missions. L3Harris said it previously fielded Red Wolf through the Long-Range Advanced Missile programme under the Defense Innovation Acceleration initiative, which was intended to validate requirements through operational demonstrations.
