GoKawiilNavy Fires JAGM Missiles from Saildrone USV in RIMPAC 2026 Trial
The U.S. Navy tested a wind-powered Saildrone Surveyor SD-3001 unmanned surface vessel armed with Lockheed Martin's JAGM missiles during RIMPAC 2026 exercises. Controlled via the Navy's ARES system, the drone fired two JAGMs while operating alongside the USS Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group, and also demonstrated electronic warfare capabilities by working with an MH-60S helicopter to identify a mock threat.
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This marks a step toward integrating low-cost, long-endurance autonomous surface vessels directly into carrier strike group combat operations, potentially extending naval reach without risking crewed ships. The rapid six-month development timeline also signals the Pentagon's growing urgency to field armed drones for maritime warfare as competition with rival naval powers intensifies.
- Saildrone Surveyor SD-3001 fired two JAGM missiles during RIMPAC 2026 live-fire tests.
- The USV integrated with the Navy's ARES control system and the USS Theodore Roosevelt strike group.
- The drone also proved electronic warfare capability by coordinating with an MH-60S helicopter to identify a surrogate threat.
Source: tomshardware.com — Mark Tyson, 2026-08-29
Published there as: “US Navy launches missiles from its first drone sailboat — Saildrone Surveyor launches dual JAGM missiles, carrier strike group tests armed USV and electronic warfare”
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