AmericasArmsSea

Joint Air-to-Ground Missile Achieves Initial Operational Capability 

The AGM-179A Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM) has achieved Initial Operational Capability on the AH-1Z Viper helicopter, the US Marine Corps has revealed.

The missile, developed by the army and marines, achieved the milestone after a thorough evaluation process, including being used on sea and land-based targets.

“[Initial Operational Capability] IOC marks a major milestone for the JAGM program and significant increase in capability for the AH-1Z,” Deputy program manager for precision-guided missiles, Cmdr. J. Reid Adam, said. 

To Replace Hellfire, Maverick 

The missile is intended to replace the air-launched BGM-71 TOW, AGM-114 Hellfire, and AGM-65 Maverick missiles on army, navy, and marine platforms.

It uses semi-active laser guidance for precise targeting and millimeter-wave radar for “active fire-and-forget capability during the day, night, adverse weather and battlefield obscurants.”

The missile’s multi-purpose warhead consists of a “precursor warhead” that penetrates armored targets followed by a time-delayed main warhead, which detonates inside.

“Incorporating systems such as JAGM on the AH-1Z is essential in keeping the platform at the forefront of warfighting capabilities,” USMC H-1 light/attack helicopter program manager Col. Vasilios Pappas remarked.

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