Lockheed Martin doubled the range of the JAGM missile for the 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. The manufacturer recently tested a version of the missile with an extended launch range.

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The AGM-179 JAGM will replace the AGM-114 Hellfire, AGM-65 Maverick and BGM-71 TOW missiles. The conventional 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 the China Lake Naval Base in California.

The prospective missile has a three-mode homing head. This was one of the requirements at the start of JAGM development. However, at the stage of competitive development it was abandoned, giving preference to a two-mode seeker. The reason was the high cost.

JAGM will enter service with the Marine Corps, Navy and U.S. Army. The missile will be compatible with F-35 Lightning II fighters, the 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 Apache helicopters, and the MQ-1C Gray Eagle and MQ-9 Reaper drones.