The USA successfully tested the latest AGM-179 JAGM guided missile, which will replace the previous Hellfire and Maverick models. The tests took place off the coast of Okinawa, Japan.
The AGM-179 JAGM missile, developed by Lockheed Martin, retains a significant degree of unification with the Hellfire missile, using its engine. It is equipped with a new dual-mode homing head that combines semi-active laser guidance and millimeter radar. This allows to realize the concept of "shoot and forget" for hitting moving and stationary targets on land, water and even in the air.
During testing, a US Marine Corps AH-1Z attack helicopter fired an AGM-179 JAGM against a moving surface target and successfully sank it. Pilots also practiced hitting targets with unguided weapons and automatic guns.
AGM-179 JAGM can capture a target at a distance of 500 meters and hit it at a distance of up to 8 kilometers. The new targeting system increased the probability of hitting moving targets to 95%, compared to 35% for Hellfire. The missile is already integrated into the AH-64E Apache attack helicopters of the US Army and the AH-1Z Viper of the Marine Corps.