Weapons

US Marines Debut Lethal New Missile in Pacific Test

BY SOFREP News Team

Marines test-fired a powerful new missile from a Viper helicopter in the Pacific, marking a leap forward in their aerial attack capabilities.

A USMC AH-1Z attack helicopter pilots fire an AGM-179 JAGM during an EXPO strike off the coast of Okinawa, Japan, June 26, 2024. (Image source: DVIDS)

The US Marine Corps recently unleashed a new offensive weapon in the Pacific, successfully test-firing the AGM-179 Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM) from an AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter for the first time in the Indo-Pacific region.

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This milestone marks a turning point for the Marine Corps’ aerial attack capabilities, offering a potent and precise weapon against moving targets at sea.

The test, conducted earlier last week in the Philippine Sea off the coast of Okinawa, saw the JAGM launched from a Viper and obliterate a towed training vessel.

This achievement comes after the JAGM underwent a period of development challenges, including initial test failures where missiles missed targets or failed to detonate.

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However, the Marines persevered, ironing out these issues and achieving initial operational capability in 2022.

The JAGM represents a significant upgrade over its predecessors, the AGM-114 Hellfire and AGM-65 Maverick missiles. It boasts a dual-mode seeker and guidance system, offering unparalleled precision. This allows for “fire and forget” launches, where the helicopter crew can unleash the missile and immediately focus on evasive maneuvers or engaging new targets.

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The JAGM also thrives in diverse weather conditions, a critical factor for island-hopping operations in the vast Pacific.

“The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) sank a moving training target vessel during an expeditionary strike exercise in the Philippine Sea, Wednesday 26, June,” announced the 31st MEU. “The success of this expeditionary strike demonstrates the 31st MEU’s capability to deliver precision strikes at sea and safeguard a free and open Indo-Pacific.”

The exercise wasn’t limited to the JAGM’s debut; a UH-1Y helicopter also showcased its firepower with a door-gun attack on additional moving targets.

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Staying Ahead of the Curve: The JAGM’s Significance

Colonel Vasilios Pappas, the Marine Corps H-1 Light/Attack Helicopter program manager, underscored the importance of integrating the JAGM.

“Incorporating systems like JAGM on the AH-1Z is essential to keeping the platform at the forefront of warfighting capabilities,” he declared.

The JAGM’s successful test signifies the Marines’ dedication to staying at the cutting edge of aerial attack technology.

This new missile promises to be a force multiplier on the battlefield, delivering devastating precision strikes against enemy threats, both stationary and mobile.

AGM-179 JAGM
Marines load an AGM-179 JAGM onto an AH-1Z M299 launcher. (Image source: DVIDS)

With its “fire and forget” capability, the JAGM allows Marine helicopter crews to operate with greater efficiency and reduced risk, enhancing their overall effectiveness in amphibious and expeditionary operations.

AGM-179 JAGM: Technical Specifications

The AGM-179 JAGM boasts an array of impressive technical specifications, some of which may be classified.

Publicly available information suggests a weight of around 108 lbs (49 kg) and a length of 70 inches (1.78 meters). The missile’s diameter is roughly 7 inches (17.8 cm).

The range can vary depending on the variant, with estimates of 5 miles (8 km) for the base model and potentially reaching 10 miles (16 km) for the JAGM-MR (Medium Range) version.

Guidance relies on a sophisticated dual-mode system that combines a semi-active laser seeker with a millimeter-wave radar seeker.

The warhead is a selectable, multi-purpose design with various options for different targets.

While the exact weight is estimated at around 20 lbs (9 kg), specific details about the warhead’s composition or capabilities might be classified information.

The JAGM utilizes a solid propellant rocket motor and can be launched from both helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft.

A Strategic Advantage in the Indo-Pacific

This development comes at a time of heightened regional tensions.

The JAGM’s deployment in the Indo-Pacific strengthens the Marines’ ability to project power and deter potential adversaries.

Its long-range precision strike capabilities and effectiveness against moving targets offer a significant advantage in potential island-hopping campaigns or littoral warfare scenarios.

The successful test of the JAGM signifies a new chapter for the Marine Corps aerial attack capabilities. This powerful and sophisticated weapon paves the way for a more lethal and agile fighting force, ready to confront any challenge in the vast Pacific theater.

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Disclaimer: SOFREP utilizes AI for image generation and article research. Occasionally, it’s like handing a chimpanzee the keys to your liquor cabinet. It’s not always perfect and if a mistake is made, we own up to it full stop. In a world where information comes at us in tidal waves, it is an important tool that helps us sift through the brass for live rounds.

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