Oshkosh Defense LLC, based in Wisconsin, has been awarded an $18.96 million modification to its delivery order for the procurement of Remotely Operated Ground Unit for Expeditionary Fires (ROGUE Fires) carriers.
These unmanned vehicles are a critical component of the Navy Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS), designed to enhance anti-ship missile deployment capabilities for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.
According to the Department of Defense, work on the project will be distributed across Alexandria, Virginia (18%); Gaithersburg, Maryland (15%); and Oshkosh, Wisconsin (67%), with completion expected by September 2026. The funding includes $12.12 million from fiscal 2023 procurement funds, which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year, and $6.98 million from fiscal 2024 funds, which will remain active.
The Marine Corps Systems Command, headquartered in Quantico, Virginia, is overseeing the project as part of its broader strategy to modernize expeditionary warfare capabilities.
The ROGUE Fires platform is an unmanned adaptation of Oshkosh’s Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV), modified to serve as a ground-based missile launch system. It is equipped with a launcher housing two Naval Strike Missiles (NSMs), a highly capable and versatile anti-ship weapon known for its precision and adaptability in challenging operational environments.
The system supports remote or semi-autonomous operation, allowing users to control the vehicles via remote interfaces or leader/follower modules, thereby reducing the need for direct human involvement in high-risk scenarios.
ROGUE Fires represents a scalable solution for expeditionary forces, enhancing their ability to project power from land against maritime threats. Its design builds on Oshkosh’s JLTV platform, retaining the high payload capacity and off-road maneuverability required for launch operations in dynamic environments.
The Navy and Marine Corps have identified NMESIS as a key tool in countering emerging threats in contested maritime regions. By integrating unmanned ground vehicles like ROGUE Fires with advanced missile technology, the system ensures rapid and precise response capabilities in diverse operational settings.
