Lockheed Martin has successfully test-fired its Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM) from a newly developed quad-pack launcher designed for vertical launch, the company announced during the AUSA 2025 event. This innovative launcher, known as the JAGM Quad Launcher (JQL) or “jackal,” aims to penetrate the expanding counter-drone market, particularly for naval forces.
Executives from Lockheed Martin expressed optimism about the JQL’s potential to enhance naval defense capabilities. At an average cost of $212,000 per missile, the JAGM is considered a more economical option compared to high-performance interceptors like the Patriot and SM-6. While the cost may be prohibitive for countering large swarms of smaller drones, Lockheed believes the JAGM can effectively target mid-size drones, providing a viable solution for naval forces facing aerial threats.
Casey Walsh, Lockheed’s director of multi-domain missile systems, emphasized the missile’s role in enhancing defense options: “JAGM [is] another arrow in the quiver for our customers. In this case, [we’re] targeting naval defense, ship defense for counter-UAS, as a primary market space for this JQL product.”
Lockheed’s launch systems director, Edward Dobeck, highlighted the growing demand for counter-unmanned aerial systems (UAS) solutions across various U.S. platforms. He noted significant interest from international clients operating smaller vessels that cannot accommodate full-size anti-missile systems.
The JQL’s inaugural live-fire test occurred at the Army’s Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona on August 28, 2023. During this test, the missile was launched at a 45-degree angle and successfully struck a stationary, decommissioned tank. Another test is scheduled for November, targeting a drone in flight, with plans to fire the missile vertically.
The Army has previously demonstrated the JAGM’s capabilities by successfully striking a drone, among several other targets, using AH-64 Apache helicopters in a recent demonstration at Marine Corps Air Station New River in North Carolina. Originally designed as a tank-killer, the JAGM’s adaptability for various combat scenarios marks a significant milestone in its development.
Vertical launch systems (VLS) are particularly advantageous for naval applications, allowing missiles to launch straight up and redirect rapidly. Lockheed’s extensive experience with VLS technology, including the Navy’s Mk 41 VLS and the Army’s Typhon MRC, positions the company well to address the challenges associated with vertical launches.
To manage the missile’s exhaust during vertical launch, Lockheed employs advanced technologies, including ablative shielding and a specialized “gas management system” that redirects hot exhaust away from the launch platform. These innovations are crucial for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of the JQL.
Following the initial test shots, Lockheed plans software updates to enhance the JAGM’s counter-drone performance while maintaining its full operational capabilities. With effective targeting systems in place, the quad-pack JAGM is poised to engage a range of targets, from drones to ground vehicles and naval vessels.
As Lockheed Martin forges ahead in the counter-drone market, the JQL represents a strategic advancement, reinforcing the company’s commitment to providing versatile and effective defense solutions for naval forces worldwide.
