Exclusive: Lockheed blasts Shahed-style drone in Arizona missile test
AI Analysis
Lockheed Martin successfully intercepted a Shahed-style drone using a Joint-Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM) fired from a new, rapidly developed, containerized Grizzly launcher system. The system utilizes Lockheed's AI-powered Sanctum battle management and Fortem Technologies' R40 radar for detection and tracking. This demonstration highlights a shift towards mobile, scalable, and cost-effective counter-UAS solutions.
Key Takeaways
- Lockheed Martin successfully tested its counter-drone system against a Shahed-style drone at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona.
- The system combines the JAGM missile, Grizzly launcher (deployable by land or sea), Sanctum AI, and Fortem Technologies R40 radar.
- Lockheed assembled and tested the system in under 45 days, demonstrating rapid development and deployment capabilities.
- The Grizzly launcher's containerized design offers mobility and concealment.
- Lockheed invested $25 million in Fortem Technologies, indicating a strategic partnership and reliance on their radar technology; Fortem’s systems are already deployed in Ukraine and have received orders from European and Middle Eastern allies.
Why It Matters
This test demonstrates a viable solution for addressing the growing threat of low-cost drones, particularly those mirroring the tactics employed by adversaries like Iran and Russia. By utilizing existing missile technology and focusing on rapid deployment, Lockheed aims to provide a cost-effective alternative to expensive systems like the Patriot missile, preserving those assets for higher-value targets. This approach aligns with the US military’s increasing demand for adaptable and scalable counter-drone capabilities.
Exclusive: Lockheed blasts Shahed-style drone in Arizona missile test
Author: Colin Demarest Published: 2026-06-03T10:15:04.499126+00:00 Source: axios.com (axios.com) Language: en
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Exclusive: Lockheed blasts Shahed-style drone in Arizona missile test
9 mins ago - Technology
Exclusive: Lockheed blasts Shahed-style drone in Arizona missile test
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A Joint-Air-to-Ground Missile launch at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona. Photo: Courtesy of Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin for the first time intercepted a Shahed-style attack drone using a Joint-Air-to-Ground Missile fired from a Grizzly containerized launcher, company officials told Axios.
- Its AI-fueled Sanctum counter-drone system was used as the battle manager. Fortem Technologies R40 radars were used to detect and track the target.
Why it matters: The U.S. military is scrambling for cheap, effective overhead defenses, and lately has shown a liking for weapons that can be packed into boxes and wheeled out where and when they're most needed.
- Lockheed assembled all these pieces and hit fire at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona, in less than 45 days.
What they're saying: "When we show these things, we have the ability to produce them, develop them, get them out there at scale," Dan Tenney, senior vice president of global business development and strategy, told Axios.
- "We certainly think we're moving at speed, and we're changing our own practices."
- Lockheed is the world's largest defense contractor by revenue.
Zoom in: Grizzly, developed in six months, is suited for both land and sea, according to the company. Each JAGM costs a few hundred thousand dollars.
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"Containerization is really important," Tenney said. Firstly, "it's mobile." Secondly, "it can hide in plain sight."
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"The missiles themselves aren't exposed."
Follow the money: Lockheed invested $25 million in Fortem this year and also tapped the company to help protect critical infrastructure.
- Its kit has been used in Ukraine for years. U.S. allies in Europe and the Middle East recently ordered a dozen of its counter-drone systems.
The bottom line: "In this case, because you can fire one proven missile, you bring down the cost-per-kill drastically," Tenney said, "and you save your Patriots for larger, more-robust threats."
Go deeper: U.S. Army-led task force seeks counter-drone coordination
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