DSEI 2025: Rheinmetall and Lockheed Martin unveil Fuchs JAGM

Rheinmetall and Lockheed Martin jointly launched the Fuchs JAGM Mobile Vertical Launching System at the DSEI 2025 defence exhibition in London on 9 September in a ceremony presided over by Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger and Paula Hartley, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin’s Tactical Missiles business.

Using the Fuchs Evolution (the latest version of Rheinmetall’s Fuchs 6×6 armoured transport vehicle) as the carrier vehicle, the Fuchs JAGM is equipped with a vertical launch system housing 24 Lockheed Martin AGM-179 Joint Air-to-Ground Missiles (JAGMs). Alternatively, the vehicle can be loaded out with Lockheed Martin AGM-114L Hellfire Longbow missiles.

With the addition of what Rheinmetall described as a “state-of-the-art sensor package”, the Fuchs JAGM is designed to engage both armoured vehicles as well as air targets in rapid succession without reloading.

Originally designed as an air-launched weapon, the JAGM is a multi-sensor missile that can also be fired in ground-to-ground and ground-to-air applications. The JAGM’s multimode seeker features an improved semi-active laser sensor (SAL) for precision strikes and a fire-and-forget millimetre wave radar (MMW) for moving targets in all weather conditions.

“The JAGM thus offers improved performance against stationary and moving armoured targets, air defence systems, patrol boats, air targets, artillery guns and launchers, radar installations and C2 nodes, as well as bunkers and other structures in urban and complex terrain,” Rheinmetall stated.

“This partnership is proof of our commitment to advancing international co-operation and delivering innovative solutions that meet the changing requirements of our global customers,” Dr Björn Bernhard, head of Rheinmetall’s Vehicle Systems Division, was quoted as saying in a company press release. “By combining the Fuchs, which has proven itself in service from the North Cape to the deserts of the Middle East, with the precision of the JAGM and Hellfire, we are setting a new standard for modern guided missile systems on the battlefield. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Lockheed Martin and identifying new opportunities to drive growth and innovation in the global defence industry.”

Lockheed Martin’s Hartley added, “The integration of our JAGM and Hellfire missiles into the Fuchs creates a ground-breaking mobile vertical launch system that combines the best of Lockheed Martin’s battle-proven capabilities and Rheinmetall’s expertise.”