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First Drone Intercept With JAGM and GRIZZLY Launcher
Lockheed Martin has neutralized a Group 3 one-way attack test drone using a Joint-Air-to-Ground Missile fired from a containerized launcher.
www.lockheedmartin.com
Lockheed Martin has completed the first successful interception of a Group 3 one-way attack test drone utilizing a Joint-Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM) launched from a GRIZZLY™ containerized launcher. The demonstration incorporated the Sanctum Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS) battle manager alongside Fortem R-40 Radars to handle the detection, tracking, and engagement of the aerial target.
System Integration and Testing Timeline
During the demonstration, the Sanctum sensors identified and tracked a hostile Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). The engagement sequence was processed via the Sanctum mission management software, which signaled the GRIZZLY launcher to fire the JAGM missile and neutralize the target.
The end-to-end integration—encompassing hardware-in-the-loop and live-fire testing phases—was completed within a 45-day period. Constructed on an existing prototype architecture, the GRIZZLY hardware allows operators to deploy the ready-to-fire Sanctum C-UAS configuration without requiring extensive logistical or infrastructural footprints.
Technical and Operational Features
The combined defense architecture features several functional components designed to support agile and distributed lethality:
- Scalable Sensor Deployment: The system utilizes small-footprint radar sites with distributed sensors to provide configurable coverage options. The containerized launcher is designed for mounting on either fixed ground locations or maritime platforms.
- Distributed Wireless Connectivity: A wireless communication infrastructure connects the radars, battle management software, and launcher units to support rapid deployment.
- Launcher Capacity and Firepower: The GRIZZLY launcher features an eight-round capacity and utilizes a toolless reloading process intended to manage sustainment expenses while maintaining high-volume firepower through low-cost commercial sensors.
- Multi-Mission Architecture: The setup integrates radars, the battle management suite, a weapon container, and layered effectors through the Sanctum C-UAS Battle Management software. This configuration establishes a complete kill web engineered to counter Group 1 through Group 4 UAV threats, providing point defense for forward operating bases, critical assets, and maritime installations.
- JAGM Guidance Systems: The JAGM effector utilizes a dual-mode seeker combining Semi-Active Laser (SAL) and Millimeter Wave (MMW) guidance. This dual-mode capability allows the missile to serve as a cost-effective effector for layered defense across multiple operational domains.
Management Positioning
The project emphasizes cross-program collaboration to field point-defense solutions capable of operating independently or interfacing with broader defense networks.
"The ability to integrate GRIZZLY's proven launch architecture with Sanctum's battle manager on an accelerated timeline demonstrates how Lockheed Martin is applying battlefield innovation and cross-program collaboration to rapidly deliver layered defense capabilities to the warfighter. This test demonstrated a modular, affordable point-defense solution that can be quickly scaled and deployed across multiple domains to counter evolving threats." — Randy Crites, Vice President and General Manager of Lockheed Martin Advanced Programs.
Edited by Romila DSilva, Induportals Editor, with AI assistance.
The project emphasizes cross-program collaboration to field point-defense solutions capable of operating independently or interfacing with broader defense networks.
"The ability to integrate GRIZZLY's proven launch architecture with Sanctum's battle manager on an accelerated timeline demonstrates how Lockheed Martin is applying battlefield innovation and cross-program collaboration to rapidly deliver layered defense capabilities to the warfighter. This test demonstrated a modular, affordable point-defense solution that can be quickly scaled and deployed across multiple domains to counter evolving threats." — Randy Crites, Vice President and General Manager of Lockheed Martin Advanced Programs.
Edited by Romila DSilva, Induportals Editor, with AI assistance.
