Lockheed Martin to increase production of new Joint Air-to-Ground Missiles

Pentagon’s No.1 weapons supplier Lockheed Martin Corp will increase the Joint Air-to-Ground Missile production, according to the recent award of the U.S. Army Contracting Command.

The U.S. Department of Defense announced on Friday a $15,5 million modification to the previously awarded contract for the Joint Air-to-Ground Missile, or also know as JAGM, production line for a rate ramp increase of 50 to 100 missiles per month.

Work will be performed in Orlando, Florida, with an estimated completion date of March 30, 2022.

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The JAGM designed to ultimately replace the iconic Hellfire missile that earned fearsome acclaim on the AH-64 Apache attack helicopter.  It is a precision-guided munition for use against high-value stationary, moving, and relocatable land and maritime targets. JAGM utilizes a multi-mode seeker to provide precision point and fire-and-forget targeting day or night in adverse weather, battlefield obscured conditions and against a variety of countermeasures. A multi-purpose warhead provides lethal effects against a range of target types, from armored vehicles, thin-skinned vehicles, and maritime patrol craft to urban structures and field fortifications. JAGM delivers the Joint Services a single air-to-ground missile with improved lethality, operational flexibility, and a reduced logistics footprint.

JAGM utilizes a multi-mode seeker to provide precision point and fire-and-forget targeting day or night in adverse weather, battlefield obscured conditions, and against a variety of countermeasures. A multipurpose warhead provides lethal effects against a range of target types, from armored vehicles, thin-skinned vehicles, and maritime patrol craft to urban structures and field fortifications.

JAGM boasts the ability to use a semi-active laser (SAL) or radiofrequency (RF) as a means of guiding it to target. Moreover, the crew can switch modes within seconds as a combat scenario evolves.

JAGM leverages the fielded and combat-proven HELLFIRE II Romeo (AGM-114R) propulsion, warhead and control sections. The JAGM system will be compatible with all joint rotary-wing and fixed wing aircraft that are compatible with the HELLFIRE II missile.

JAGM is loaded onto an AH64E Apache attack helicopter. Photo by Mr. William C. Beach

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About author:

Dylan Malyasov
Dylan Malyasov
Dylan Malyasov is the editor-in-chief of Defence Blog. He is a journalist, an accredited defense advisor, and a consultant. His background as a defense advisor and consultant adds a unique perspective to his journalistic endeavors, ensuring that his reporting is well-informed and authoritative. read more

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