JAGM fired from containerized GRIZZLY launcher in Lockheed Martin counter-UAS test | Military Aerospace
AI Analysis
Lockheed Martin successfully demonstrated a counter-UAS engagement using a JAGM missile launched from its GRIZZLY containerized launcher system. The test at Yuma Proving Ground integrated Fortem R-40 radar, Lockheed Martin’s Sanctum software, and the JAGM to detect, track, and intercept a Group 3 drone. This demonstrates a rapidly deployable, mobile, and integrated C-UAS solution.
Key Takeaways
- Lockheed Martin’s GRIZZLY system is a portable, containerized launcher designed for rapid deployment and reduced infrastructure needs.
- The system utilizes Fortem R-40 radar for drone detection and tracking.
- Lockheed Martin’s Sanctum software serves as the battle management system, processing sensor data and generating engagement solutions.
- A JAGM missile was successfully employed as a kinetic effector against a Group 3 one-way attack drone.
- The demonstration highlights a 'detect-to-engage' sequence integrating radar, software, and missile systems.
Why It Matters
This test showcases a significant advancement in mobile, rapidly deployable C-UAS capabilities, moving beyond traditional fixed-site defenses. Utilizing existing missiles like JAGM for C-UAS roles offers cost-effectiveness and leverages existing logistical infrastructure. The integration of Sanctum software suggests a push towards more automated and streamlined C-UAS systems.
JAGM fired from containerized GRIZZLY launcher in Lockheed Martin counter-UAS test | Military Aerospace
JAGM fired from containerized GRIZZLY launcher in Lockheed Martin counter-UAS test
Lockheed Martin said the integrated system executed a full detect-to-engage sequence in which sensor data from radar systems was processed through the Sanctum mission management software to generate an engagement solution.
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Key Highlights
- The live-fire test integrated radar sensing, battle management software, and missile effects into a seamless engagement chain.
- Lockheed Martin's GRIZZLY system is a portable, containerized launcher designed for rapid deployment and reduced infrastructure needs.
- The demonstration used Fortem R-40 radar to detect and track a Group 3 drone, with Sanctum software managing the engagement process.
BETHESDA, Md. - Lockheed Martin has demonstrated a counter-uncrewed aerial system (UAS) engagement using a Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM) launched from its GRIZZLY containerized launcher during a live-fire test that integrated radar sensing, battle management software, and missile effects into a single engagement chain, according to company information and supporting reports.
The demonstration, conducted at Yuma Proving Ground, Ariz., involved the detection, tracking, and engagement of a Group 3 one-way attack test drone using Fortem R-40 radar systems, Lockheed Martin’s Sanctum counter-UAS battle management software, and the GRIZZLY containerized launcher.
Lockheed Martin said the integrated system executed a full detect-to-engage sequence in which sensor data from radar systems was processed through the Sanctum mission management software to generate an engagement solution. The GRIZZLY launcher then fired a Joint Air-to-Ground Missile that intercepted the target.
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The company described the effort as a live-fire demonstration combining hardware-in-the-loop testing and field integration activities completed over a compressed development timeline. Specific program timelines, quantities, and configuration details were not disclosed.
GRIZZLY concept
The GRIZZLY system is a containerized launcher concept developed by Lockheed Martin, designed to provide a mobile, self-contained missile-launch capability using a standardized container form factor. The system is intended to reduce infrastructure requirements compared with fixed air defense launcher installations and to support the rapid deployment of missile-based defensive capabilities.
The Joint Air-to-Ground Missile used in the demonstration is a precision-guided weapon used by U.S. forces for close air support and precision engagement missions. In this configuration, it was employed as a kinetic effector within a counter- uncrewed aerial system architecture. The missile incorporates a guidance system that can include semi-active laser and millimeter-wave ra