Lockheed Martin Downs Group 3 Drone With JAGM in Containerized Launcher Test

Lockheed Martin destroyed a Group 3 one-way attack drone using a Joint Air-to-Ground Missile fired from its GRIZZLY containerized launcher during a live-fire test at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona. The demonstration combined the company’s Sanctum counter-unmanned aerial system battle manager with Fortem R-40 radars for detection, tracking, and engagement.

Lockheed Martin said the full integration and live-fire testing were completed in under 45 days.

The GRIZZLY launcher holds up to eight missiles inside a 10-foot shipping container and supports toolless reloading. It can operate from ground sites or ships and uses wireless links among radars, battle manager, and launcher. The same launcher previously fired a Hellfire missile in a vertical-launch test at Yakima Training Center, Washington, in March.

The June test added the JAGM missile and a complete detect-track-engage sequence against a live Group 3 drone target.

“Built on existing prototype architecture, GRIZZLY enables users to employ the ready-to-fire Sanctum C-UAS system without extensive infrastructure and logistical footprints,” the company said. A vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin Advanced Programs stated the test showed how the company applies battlefield innovation and cross-program collaboration to deliver layered defense capabilities.

A second vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin Sensors, Effectors and Mission Systems added that the demonstration provides a rapid, low-cost, modular point-defense solution deployable on land or maritime platforms within days. The company strengthened its counter-drone partnership with Fortem in April by investing $25 million to incorporate the Utah-based firm’s radars and interceptors more tightly into the Sanctum system.