Lockheed Martin Completes First JAGM Quad Launcher Integration Test, Why This Integration Test is Special

Lockheed Martin has completed a successful first demonstration of the Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM) launched from its newly developed JAGM Quad Launcher (JQL) system. The test, conducted on August 28, 2025, at the Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona, marked a key milestone in expanding the missile’s operational flexibility beyond its traditional air-launched role.

The baseline JAGM has an effective engagement range commonly cited at roughly 5 miles (about 8 km) in its standard configuration; a medium-range variant and other development efforts have demonstrated extended reach of up to about 10 miles (around 16 km). JAGM combines a semi-active laser (SAL) seeker with a millimetre-wave (MMW) radar seeker in a dual-mode guidance package, providing both precision semi-active-laser targeting and a fire-and-forget radar mode for moving or obscured targets. The missile travels at roughly Mach 1.5, carries a shaped-charge/fragmentation family of warheads suited to defeating armor, light vehicles, bunkers and small surface vessels, and supports operations in adverse weather and degraded visual conditions.

During the demonstration, a JAGM was launched from the JQL set at a 45-degree angle and achieved a direct hit on a stationary ground target. The test allowed engineers to capture real-time performance data from ignition through impact, validating the missile’s flight profile, launcher performance, and overall system integration. The result confirmed the system’s operational reliability and accuracy in a ground-based configuration.

This demonstration is significant because it represents the first time the JAGM has been fired from a canister-based launcher rather than from an aircraft pylon or rail. The JQL’s modular design uses four independent composite canisters arranged in a compact “quad-pack” configuration. Each canister is self-contained and designed for quick reloads using existing JAGM loading procedures. The launcher includes a pivot fixture that supports angled and vertical launch orientations, while a self-contained exhaust gas management system ensures crew and platform safety during launch.

The integration of JAGM with the JQL marks a major shift in how the missile can be deployed. Previously, JAGM was fielded primarily on helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft to replace older Hellfire and Maverick systems. It was designed for air-to-surface engagements against armored vehicles, bunkers, and fast-moving targets. With the new launcher, the same missile can now be fired from ground vehicles, ships, or fixed installations, giving it multi-domain capability. This approach enables commanders to use the same precision weapon across land, air, and maritime environments, simplifying logistics and expanding tactical options.

The ability to fire JAGM from a canister launcher also opens the door to vertical launch operations. Unlike traditional forward-firing mounts, a vertical launch system allows a missile to be fired straight upward before maneuvering toward its target, providing 360-degree engagement capability. This is particularly valuable for naval vessels and expeditionary forces that require rapid response in all directions. The modular launcher can be scaled up or down depending on platform size, supporting everything from small vehicles and patrol craft to larger warships or coastal defense systems.

Lockheed Martin’s Missile and Fire Control and Rotary and Mission Systems divisions jointly developed the JQL, drawing on more than five decades of experience in vertical launching systems. Company officials described the demonstration as an important step toward meeting future expeditionary and multi-domain requirements. The design aims to provide a lightweight, easily transportable launcher that maintains the reliability of existing ship and land-based missile systems.

What makes this integration different from previous JAGM configurations is the shift from an air-only missile to a modular system. Earlier versions of JAGM were restricted by platform orientation—missiles were fired in the direction the aircraft was facing. The JQL introduces the ability to launch from multiple axes, including vertical, without the need to reposition the platform. The sealed composite canisters also extend missile shelf life, improve storage conditions, and simplify transport.

The new launcher’s flexibility could make it a candidate for emerging missions such as Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS). Its ability to store and launch multiple missiles in rapid succession makes it suitable for engaging drones, light vehicles, and other short-range threats. The upcoming vertical launch demonstration planned for November 2025 will further test this capability and gather performance data for full vertical engagements.

This first integration of JAGM with the JQL represents a step toward unified missile architectures that can serve across multiple domains. By adapting a proven precision-guided weapon for new platforms, Lockheed Martin is positioning the JAGM system to meet evolving operational requirements for U.S. and allied forces. The move from an aircraft-based weapon to a flexible, canister-launched system could ultimately streamline logistics, reduce costs, and enhance response capability in complex mission environments.