Home / Technology / Drone Boat Fires Missiles in Historic Naval First
Drone Boat Fires Missiles in Historic Naval First
3 Sep
Summary
- A Saildrone Surveyor USV launched two JAGM missiles off Hawaii.
- The Navy's ARES system guided fire control during the demonstration.
- This marks the first missile launch from a USV during RIMPAC.
- The JAGM missile targets smaller aerial and naval threats.
During the RIMPAC 2026 exercise, a Saildrone Surveyor unmanned surface vessel (USV) achieved a significant milestone by launching two Joint Air-to-Ground Missiles (JAGM). This demonstration, coordinated with the USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group, represents the first instance of a USV successfully firing missiles. Fire control operations were handled by the U.S. Navy's remotely operated Adjunct Remote Engagement System (ARES).
While not the first USV missile launch, this event is considered more consequential due to the weapon choice. The JAGM, a successor to the Hellfire missile, is designed to target smaller, faster aerial and naval threats. Lockheed Martin had previously proposed a surface-launched JAGM launcher for destroyers. The Surveyor also demonstrated passive electronic warfare capabilities, enhancing its role as a support platform.
However, limitations exist; the current dual launcher cannot reload at sea, potentially limiting its effectiveness. The U.S. Navy is still evaluating the full deployment of armed USVs, considering factors like cost, mass production, and combat utility, despite the technology being tested.
