Rogue Fires Unmanned JLTV: Oshkosh’s Latest Autonomous Weapon System for the U.S. Army and Marine Corps

At the 2024 Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA) conference, Oshkosh Defense showcased its advanced unmanned ground vehicle—the Rogue Fires JLTV. This platform takes the rugged, battle-tested design of the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) and integrates advanced autonomous features and modular weapons systems. With its impressive flexibility and expanding combat capabilities, the Rogue Fires JLTV is positioned to become an integral component of the U.S. military’s strategy for contested environments, supporting both logistical and combat roles.

Building on the JLTV’s Rugged Foundation

The Rogue Fires vehicle family is built on the foundation of Oshkosh’s JLTV, which has already proven its reliability and versatility in combat environments. By converting the JLTV into an unmanned platform, Oshkosh aims to provide enhanced mobility, armored protection, and advanced autonomy, giving the vehicle the flexibility to tackle various missions with minimal human intervention.

As Janet Keech, Senior Director of Programs at Oshkosh, explained, the Rogue Fires JLTV family now includes multiple configurations to suit different operational needs. These configurations feature weapon systems ranging from howitzers and missile pods to support for the HIMARS system. Notably, the Marine Corps has begun low-rate initial production of Rogue Fires vehicles equipped with Naval Strike Missiles (NSM) and Mark 41 Vertical Launch Systems (VLS) for its anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) strategy. These new capabilities provide the Marine Corps with additional options for targeting enemy ships and ground forces from a safe distance.

Expanded Long-Range Precision Fire Capabilities

The potential of the Rogue Fires JLTV to operate with long-range precision munitions is another step forward in extending the U.S. military’s reach on land and at sea. For instance, the U.S. Army’s recent tests included equipping the Rogue Fires platform with the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) and the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) for extended-range strikes. 

Moreover, Oshkosh and Lockheed Martin are exploring the integration of the AGM-158C LRASM, a long-range anti-ship missile, into the Rogue Fires JLTV. This addition could offer the Marine Corps a highly effective “shoot-and-scoot” capability, allowing units to deploy, fire at targets such as enemy vessels, and quickly relocate to avoid counterstrikes. Such a feature significantly enhances A2/AD operations, which aim to deny adversaries access to specific maritime regions and littoral zones.

Autonomy and Waypoint Navigation

One of the standout features of the Rogue Fires JLTV is its autonomous “leader-follower” capability, enabling a single operator to control multiple unmanned vehicles in convoy formation or deploy them to individual coordinates. This feature is set for further upgrades, which will enhance its waypoint navigation, allowing operators to set precise destinations and routes for the vehicle to follow. 

Waypoint navigation, combined with advanced obstacle detection, allows Rogue Fires to maneuver through complex terrain autonomously, making it highly effective in hazardous environments where traditional convoy operations would put human drivers at risk. This autonomy allows for better tactical flexibility—operators can either control the vehicle through a handheld device or set pre-defined routes for autonomous resupply missions or forward deployment.

Flexibility for Multi-Role Operations

One of the key selling points of the Rogue Fires JLTV is its adaptability across various mission profiles. The platform is capable of switching between weaponized and logistical configurations, offering the Army and Marine Corps numerous deployment options:

• Logistical Support: With a payload capacity of up to 6,000 pounds, the Rogue Fires can be configured to carry cargo rather than weapons, making it ideal for last-mile resupply missions to frontline troops. In contested areas, where traditional supply lines may be vulnerable, the JLTV’s autonomy allows it to reach isolated forces while minimizing the need for human-driven convoys.

• Missile Launching Platform: Configured for direct or indirect fire support, the Rogue Fires can carry and launch GMLRS, PrSM, and potentially even anti-ship missiles like the LRASM. Its modular design means that these weapon systems can be switched out with other configurations, depending on the mission requirements.

• Anti-Ship Strike Capabilities: As part of the Navy/Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS), the Marine Corps version of Rogue Fires can launch NSMs to counter enemy ships. By integrating such systems, the Marine Corps aims to bolster its coastal defense and maritime interdiction operations.

Operational Versatility and Quick Reaction Potential

In scenarios where speed and surprise are critical, the Rogue Fires JLTV’s design is geared for rapid deployment. The unmanned system allows for “shoot and scoot” tactics, enabling it to launch attacks and quickly move to new positions before enemy forces can pinpoint its location. This capability is invaluable in maintaining the element of surprise and minimizing the risk of counter-attacks. 

While the JLTV does not yet have an autonomous reloading capability, operators can bring the vehicles back to a centralized base, where they can be restocked before re-deploying. This approach allows for a streamlined “reload and return” cycle that maximizes operational tempo in high-stakes combat zones.

Future Path and Expanding Opportunities

With its current capabilities, the Rogue Fires JLTV is well-suited for integration into the U.S. Army’s evolving tactics, where both logistics and combat roles are increasingly demanding automation and autonomy. Whether for supply missions in contested areas or delivering direct firepower on the battlefield, the Rogue Fires’ versatility and ability to adapt to changing payloads make it a promising candidate for the Army’s next-generation unmanned systems.

As the U.S. military continues to explore how autonomous vehicles can enhance mission efficiency and reduce human exposure to danger, the Rogue Fires JLTV stands out as a system that delivers both flexibility and firepower. By combining advanced autonomous navigation, modular payload options, and the capacity for long-range strikes, Oshkosh’s Rogue Fires JLTV could play a critical role in reshaping how the U.S. Army and Marine Corps engage in the multi-domain battlespace.