Marines test JAGM on land targets from helicopter

The Marine Corps conducted an operational test and evaluation of the Joint Air-to-Ground Missile from an attack helicopter in December, according to a statement issued today.

Marine Operational Test & Evaluation Squadron 1 tested eight separate shots from an AH-1Z Viper helicopter against armored and light armored vehicles in a variety of scenarios at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, AZ, according to a Marine Corps press release.

“This event can lead to significant improvements in lethality of attack helicopters by arming them with newer munitions equipped with two sensor technologies and optimizes missile performance on land targets,” the press release states.

The test is part of a larger effort to upgrade the AH-1Z and UH-1Y Venom aircraft to align with Marine Corps Commandant Gen. David Berger’s vision for modernization, the press release states.

According to a report from the office of operational test and evaluation, released last week, the JAGM program’s second phase of operational testing was delayed to the first quarter of fiscal year 2022 due to platform software performance challenges.

A JAGM full-rate production decision is scheduled for the third quarter of FY-22, according to DOT&E.