Lockheed Martin has announced that the U.S. Army has awarded them a multi-year production for missiles that could reach up to $4.5 billion, as reported by Reuters.
The contract involves Lockheed Martin's Joint-Air-to-Ground Missiles (JAGM) and HELLFIRE missiles. In its first year, the deal will have a total value of $439 million.
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Last month, President Joe Biden requested $842 billion for the Pentagon and $44 billion for defense programs at the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Energy, and other agencies.
Lockheed Martin's latest contract from the U.S. Army will also have three follow-on awards that start later this year, making the contract value reach $4.5 billion over the next four years.
The JAGM Program
Lockheed Martin's JAGM program is cutting-edge military technology designed to provide superior air-to-ground firepower for the U.S. Army, Navy, and Marine Corps. The JAGM missile is a multi-mode seeker weapon that can engage and destroy various targets, including armored vehicles, bunkers, and personnel.
The JAGM missile features a range of advanced technologies, including a semi-active laser, an infrared imaging seeker, and a millimeter-wave radar. These technologies work together to provide the missile with exceptional targeting and guidance capabilities, allowing it to hit targets even in challenging environments precisely.
One of the key advantages of the JAGM program is its ability to engage targets at extended ranges. The missile has a range of up to 16 kilometers and can be launched from various platforms, including helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and ground-based vehicles. This gives military commanders great flexibility in selecting the most effective platform for a mission.
Another key feature of the JAGM program is its modularity. The missile can be adapted to a variety of different platforms and mission requirements, making it a highly versatile weapon system. This modularity also makes maintaining and upgrading the missile easier and more cost-effective over time.
The JAGM program is being developed and expected to enter service with the U.S. military in the coming years. Once deployed, it will provide a significant boost to the military's air-to-ground capabilities, allowing for more effective engagement of a wide range of targets.
The JAGM program is a testament to the defense industry's ongoing innovation and technological advancement and highlights the critical role that advanced military technologies play in modern warfare.
Related article: U.S. Military Soon To Get AGM-179 Joint Air-to-Ground Missile as Replacement for Outdated AGM Hellfire
