U.S. Saildrone Surveyor Surface Drone Tested With JAGM Missiles

The United States has conducted the first live-fire missile tests from the Saildrone Surveyor unmanned surface vessel.

The training launches were carried out by Lockheed Martin and Saildrone in cooperation with the U.S. Navy.

As part of the RIMPAC 2026 exercise, the unmanned surface vessel successfully fired two AGM-179 Joint Air-to-Ground Missiles (JAGM) from a launcher.

Fire control was carried out using the ARES system in coordination with the USS Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group 9.

During the exercise, the unmanned surface vessel was operating based on targeting data and was tasked with engaging a high-speed target boat.

In addition to the missile launches, the Saildrone Surveyor demonstrated passive electronic warfare capabilities. Joint operations with an MH-60S helicopter enabled the detection, classification, and identification of a potential adversary’s radar.

In the future, the partners plan to integrate combat systems onto a new generation of unmanned vessels. These platforms will be capable of carrying heavier weapons, including Mk 70 containerized launchers and SURTASS sonar systems.