Video: Unmanned Surface Vessel Fires 2 JAGM Missiles During RIMPAC 2026 Off Hawaii
Our take
The demonstration of a Saildrone Surveyor unmanned surface vessel (USV) successfully firing two Joint Air-to-Ground Missiles (JAGM) during RIMPAC 2026 off Hawaii marks a significant inflection point in maritime defense technology. This isn’t simply about showcasing a new weapon system; it’s a tangible illustration of how integrated data ecosystems and autonomous platforms are poised to redefine naval operations. The deployment of the ARES fire-control command-and-control system alongside the JAGM dual launcher on the 20-meter Surveyor highlights a shift towards distributed maritime capabilities, leveraging the inherent advantages of unmanned systems – endurance, reduced operational costs, and minimized risk to human personnel – within a traditionally crewed environment. The broader implications resonate with ongoing discussions about Marine Functional Connectivity (MFC) science [Advancing knowledge on biodiversity-driven ecological connectivity at sea and across the land–sea interface: challenges and future directions], demonstrating how technological advancements are increasingly intertwined with understanding and operating within complex marine environments.
The integration of autonomous platforms into weapons systems is not without precedent, but the scale and sophistication of this demonstration are notable. Saildrone’s Surveyor, known for its robust oceanographic data collection capabilities, has effectively transitioned from a purely scientific tool to a potential force multiplier in a military context. This evolution underscores the potential for dual-use technology, where platforms initially designed for environmental monitoring and research can be adapted for security and defense applications. The ability to leverage real-time data from a network of USVs, as discussed in "How data is transforming the way we care for the ocean - The World Economic Forum" [How data is transforming the way we care for the ocean The World Economic Forum], to inform targeting decisions and coordinate responses represents a paradigm shift in situational awareness and operational agility. This also reinforces the importance of calibrated sensor suites and robust communication infrastructure – elements central to both scientific ocean observation and effective military deployment.
The RIMPAC exercise itself provides a valuable testing ground for these emerging technologies, allowing for interoperability assessments with various allied navies and systems. The demonstrated capability extends beyond simply launching missiles; it encompasses the entire chain of command, from target identification and tracking to weapons delivery and battle management. While the specific details of the mission profile remain classified, the successful execution of this demonstration signals a growing confidence in the reliability and effectiveness of USV-based weapon systems. The broader trend toward autonomy in Arctic operations, as evidenced by Canada's deployment of the CCGS Louis S. St-Laurent to the North Pole [Canada’s Largest & Most Powerful Icebreaker Reaches North Pole For 2026 Arctic Deployment], further suggests a strategic imperative to leverage unmanned platforms in challenging and remote maritime environments. This move towards autonomous systems aligns with the need for validated, empirical data to inform strategic decisions regarding maritime security and resource management.
Looking ahead, the key question is not *if* unmanned surface vessels will play a larger role in naval operations, but *how* their integration will reshape the character of warfare. The potential for swarming tactics, distributed surveillance networks, and autonomous defense systems is considerable. However, alongside these opportunities come critical challenges – ensuring cybersecurity, establishing clear rules of engagement for autonomous platforms, and addressing the ethical implications of delegating lethal decision-making to machines. The continued development and refinement of integrated data ecosystems, coupled with rigorous peer-reviewed validation of performance, will be essential to realizing the full potential – and mitigating the inherent risks – of this transformative technology.
Saildrone and Lockheed Martin have launched two Joint Air-to-Ground Missiles (JAGM) from an unmanned surface vessel during the U.S. Navy’s RIMPAC 2026 exercise off Hawaii.
The test marked the first missile launch from a Saildrone unmanned surface vessel (USV). It was conducted under the U.S. Navy Fleet Experimentation Program (FLEX), in coordination with the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) Carrier Strike Group.
The Saildrone Surveyor used the Navy’s Adjunct Remote Engagement System (ARES), a remotely operated combat system, and acted on target data for a surrogate high-speed surface craft.
The companies said the system went from the initial concept to the live-fire demonstration in six months.
Missile test at RIMPAC
The 20-metre (66-foot) Saildrone Surveyor was fitted with a JAGM dual launcher and ARES fire-control command-and-control system.
During the exercise, the USV launched two JAGM rounds against a surrogate target. The test was carried out near Hawaii as part of RIMPAC 2026, described by the companies as the world’s largest international naval exercise.
The Surveyor also demonstrated a passive electronic warfare capability during the exercise. Working with an MH-60S helicopter, the system detected, classified and identified a surrogate threat radar system.
The demonstrations showed the platform operating with both electronic warfare sensors and a missile system.
Six months of development
The live-fire test followed six months of joint work between Saildrone and Lockheed Martin. The two companies formed a strategic partnership in October 2025.
The partnership combines Saildrone’s commercially developed USVs with Lockheed Martin’s combat-tested weapons and defense systems.
“This successful live-fire demonstration was the result of pairing one of the most tried and trusted munitions with the most operationally deployed class of USV on the planet,” said Richard Jenkins, Saildrone’s founder and CEO.
Jenkins said the test provides a kinetic capability for the Surveyor and also helps the companies prepare to integrate more advanced systems, including the Lockheed Martin Mk 70 launcher, onto the larger Saildrone Spectre.
Paul Lemmo, vice president and general manager of Sensors, Effectors and Mission Systems at Lockheed Martin, said the companies would continue investing in capabilities intended to speed up the deployment of unmanned and autonomous naval technologies.
Larger Saildrone Spectre
The RIMPAC test is part of a series of planned integrations involving Saildrone’s larger Spectre USV.
The Spectre is 52 metres (170 feet) long and is designed to carry larger, containerised mission systems and payloads. The first vessel is currently under construction.
With a full payload, the USV is expected to weigh about 300 tonnes and reach speeds of up to 30 knots. Its concealed payload deck can hold up to five 20-foot containers or two 40-foot containers.
Spectre will have two variants, with or without Saildrone’s patented Wing. The company says this will provide options for near-silent transits for acoustically sensitive missions or a lower profile for high-speed kinetic operations.
Future plans include integrating the Lockheed Martin Mk 70 launcher and towed arrays designed to support anti-submarine warfare.
What the Surveyor can do?
The Saildrone Surveyor is a 20-metre USV designed for long-duration maritime missions. These include intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, deep-ocean mapping and other maritime operations.
It can operate autonomously in harsh environments and remain on station for months.
The vessel uses radar, electro-optical/infrared sensors, machine-learning-based detection, passive acoustics and AIS to maintain situational awareness.
The JAGM dual launcher was newly integrated with the platform for the RIMPAC demonstration.
Lockheed Martin said JAGM uses a dual-mode seeker combining semi-active laser and millimetre-wave technology. The companies said the missile has demonstrated performance across air, maritime and ground domains and can support counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) missions.
References: lockheedmartin, Saildrone
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