Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM)

The Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM) Program is an Army-led, Acquisition Category (ACAT) 1C Major Defense Acquisition Program (MDAP) with joint participation from the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force. The primary objective of the JAGM program is to develop and field the next-generation, multi-mode, air-to-ground munition that will replace the legacy HELLFIRE and HELLFIRE Longbow missiles. JAGM is designed to provide enhanced capability for the destruction of high-value land and maritime targets, whether stationary or moving. It is compatible with any platform currently equipped to launch HELLFIRE missiles using the M299 launcher.

The JAGM system incorporates a new multi-mode guidance section, combining Millimeter Wave (MMW) radar and Semi-Active Laser (SAL) sensors. This dual-mode guidance enables both fire-and-forget and precision-point targeting, as well as blended targeting modes, representing a significant improvement over legacy munitions. The missile retains the proven propulsion, warhead, and control systems of the HELLFIRE missile, ensuring reliability while integrating advanced targeting capabilities to address current and emerging threats in complex operational environments.

Within the JAGM program, the Integration and Counter Measure/Threat Management line item is a key focus area for Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) funding. The Air-to-Ground Missile Systems (AGMS) Product Office, in coordination with Other Government Agencies (OGAs), conducts platform reviews, technical assessments, and threat management activities. Specific objectives include the design and development of Congressional mandates such as the extended range motor and a third sensor, as well as the preparation of technical documentation, master test plans, and requirements verification. These efforts are aimed at reducing technical risk, ensuring system integration, and validating missile performance against evolving threats.

Another component of the RDT&E funding is the SBIR/STTR Transfer, which supports the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs as required by Title 15 USC 638. This funding is intended to foster innovation and technology development by small businesses, potentially contributing advanced solutions to the JAGM program and related defense needs.

The JAGM program's acquisition strategy is structured to maximize cost efficiencies and sustainment by sharing production lines with the HELLFIRE missile and aligning procurement across the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers. This approach helps lower unit costs and mitigates the risk of obsolescence. The program also utilizes Engineering Services Contracts and Engineering Change Proposals to insert new technologies that enhance safety, reliability, affordability, and producibility as they become available.

In FY 2025, the JAGM program's RDT&E activities are planned to conclude, with the effort transitioning fully to procurement under the MSLS line to support fielding of the missile. This transition reflects the program's progress, having achieved Full Rate Production (FRP) approval in September 2022 and Initial Operational Capability (IOC) in March 2022. The focus will shift from development and demonstration to full-scale production and deployment, ensuring that U.S. and allied forces have access to advanced air-to-ground missile capabilities.

The Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM) Program aims to provide a flexible, precise, and survivable munition for joint service aviation platforms. Its specific goals include replacing aging missile inventories, addressing modern battlefield threats, and maintaining technological superiority through ongoing risk reduction, integration, and innovation efforts. The program's collaborative approach and transition to procurement are intended to ensure timely fielding and long-term sustainment of this capability.