Lockheed Martin tested its JAGM Quad Launcher (JQL) in a test late August using a government furnished Joint Air-Ground Missile (JAGM) against a target tank at the Yuma Proving Ground. The test is part of a campaign to validate JQL as a launch platform for JAGM, validating a system that fills what the company sees as a capability gap across joint force in defending against larger group UAS.
The test, held at the Yuma Proving Ground, was successful in launching a JAGM at a 45 degree elevation, and the first time JAGM has been launched from a canister system. More tests are planned to fully validate the vertical launch capability and the missile’s ability in a counter-UAS role.
Casey Walsh, Multi-Domain Missile Systems Director, and Ed Dobeck, Launching Systems Director, briefed media members about the successful test last week.
“This pivotal milestone achievement showcases the versatility and adaptability of JAGM to provide a robust defense capability for multiple mission scenarios.”
Casey Walsh, program management director of Multi-Domain Missile Systems at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire
Control
JQL has been a concept from Lockheed Martin for several years, pitched as a possible launch system for the U.S. Navy’s Mark VI Patrol Boats, future unmanned surface vessels (USVs), and even a possible launch system for Joint Light Tactical Vehicles.
JQL was displayed at the Surface Navy Association’s 2025 National Symposium on an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer, which Naval News previously covered. The platform offers a reloadable, deep magazine counter-UAS solution for higher end UAS threats that electronic warfare may not succeed in defeating.
The launcher is on display again this week, this time in a full-size scale display at the Association of the U.S. Army conference in Washington.
On a U.S. Navy ship, JQL could be quickly reloaded and installed almost anywhere space allows. Rocket backblast is redirected away from the ship’s deck in a similar manner to Mark 41 VLS cells, preventing damage and expanding possible installation locations. In a ground-launched configuration, exhaust would be directed away from the launcher vehicle and personnel on the ground.
Lockheed Martin has proposed both sea-launched and ground-launched configurations to the U.S. Navy and U.S. Army respectively, but could not disclose who was preparing to fund the effort further. Thus far, JQL has been internally funded, though Lockheed Martin expects government funding to pick up now that the launcher has been validated for use.
“Building upon the legacy of the tried-and-true LONGBOW missile, the next-generation deterrence option for naval precision-guided capability is JAGM.”
Joey Drake, Lockheed Martin Multi-Domain Missile Systems Program Director.
Lockheed Martin officials said further tests to prove JAGM’s counter-UAS capability are planned at China Lake in coming weeks. A test against a threat-representative UAS is planned before the end of the year.
