United Kingdom could buy up to 3,000 AGM-179A JAGM air-to-surface missiles

The US Government authorized the possible sale to the United Kingdom of a large number of AGM-179A JAGM (Joint Air-to-Ground Missiles) missiles for 957.4 million dollars.

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The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) issued a press release reporting the possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to the UK Government of 3,000 JAGM missiles. Also included are test missiles; technical assistance; publications; integration support; and other related logistics and program support elements. The total estimated cost of the program is $957.4 million.

The missiles are likely to be the main offensive armament for the British Army’s fleet of 50 AH-64E attack helicopters and the RAF’s 16 RG Mk 1Protector remotely piloted aircraft, of which the first unit was delivered Oct. 23.

AGM-179A JAGM

Developed by Lockheed Martin, the JAGM is a new-generation air-to-surface missile intended to replace the BGM-71 TOW, AGM-114 Hellfire and AGM-65 Maverick missiles in service with the U.S. Armed Forces.

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It is a precision-guided munition for use against high-value land and sea targets, fixed, mobile and deployable. The JAGM uses a multi-mode seeker that allows accurate targeting day or night and in adverse weather conditions, in the darkness of the battlefield and against a variety of countermeasures.

Its multi-purpose warhead provides lethal effects against various types of targets, from armored vehicles, thin armored vehicles and maritime patrol boats to urban structures and field fortifications, up to a range of 8 km, which can reach 16 km in the JAGM MR version.

JAGM incorporates a guidance section capable of precision targeting using a semi-active laser sensor (SAL), and a millimeter wave (MMW) radar to achieve «fire-and-forget» capability, providing great operational flexibility. The JAGM leverages the combat-proven propulsion, warhead and control sections of the HELLFIRE II Romeo (AGM-114R). The JAGM system will be compatible with all rotary and fixed-wing aircraft that are compatible with the HELLFIRE II missile.