US Marine Corps wants to equip helicopters with kamikaze drones instead of AGM-114 Hellfire missiles

The US Marine Corps intends to replace older AGM-114 Hellfire missiles with long-range kamikaze drones. Such a decision would improve the lethality of attack helicopters in a potential conflict with China in the Pacific.

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The Hellfire has performed well in a number of operations in Iraq. However, in future wars, its effectiveness will not be as high, given its maximum launch range of 8km. Brigadier General Stephen Lightfoot, who piloted the AH-1 helicopter, said.

Deliveries of the H-1 ended in 2022. The U.S. Marine Corps will use these helicopters for decades to come. The service must now work to maximise their effectiveness.

The military is already experimenting with long-range barrage munitions. According to Stephen Lightfoot, they will be operational within a few years. Using kamikaze drones, Marine Corps helicopters will be able to strike targets at distances of "hundreds of kilometres".

In doing so, the Marines will be able to launch borne munitions from ground-based launchers. This is a must-have option in weapons development that will provide "round-the-clock strike capability".

Source: Defence News