Lockheed Martin has used an AGM-179 JAGM fired from a containerised ground launcher to intercept a drone, marking the missile’s first successful 90-degree launch-angle engagement in this configuration. The demonstration extends JAGM beyond its traditional air-to-ground role and into short-range air defence and counter-uncrewed aircraft system missions.
The test builds on Lockheed’s JAGM Quad Launcher concept, which uses modular canisters and supports vertical or angled launches for land and maritime applications. A first live-fire from the launcher was conducted at Yuma Proving Ground on 28 August 2025 at a 45-degree angle against a stationary tank, followed by the drone interception trial planned for China Lake. Lockheed is positioning the system for base defence, ship defence and other multi-domain uses, while acknowledging the missile’s cost gap versus small drones. JAGM is already in service on US helicopters and is produced on the same line used for the wider missile family.