US Lockheed Martin is preparing to test the latest JAGM naval missile

Breaking Defence reported that Lockheed plans to conduct the first sea test of its latest air-to-ground missile (JAGM) next year.

Here's What We Know

The upcoming test is expected to use Lockheed's new vertical launch system called the Quad Launcher, which will allow missiles to be launched from medium and large surface ships.

Recently, the company demonstrated a model of a standard vessel equipped with four JAGM Quad launchers, indicating that it is ready to be integrated into almost any boat.

The JAGM contains an AGM-114R (HELLFIRE Romeo) warhead and warhead, as well as additional multi-mode homing systems, including millimetre wave (MMW) radar for moving targets, and the new missile can quickly engage "multiple aircraft, helicopters and UAVs simultaneously".

If successful, the test could allow for the official integration of quadruple launchers on ships. But so far, Lockheed has not named a specific test date.

"We are still in the development phase of the vertical launch capability, and our immediate goal is to demonstrate to the US Department of Defence," said a company spokesperson.

Source: Breaking Defence