Fuchs JAGM: World’s First Combat Vehicle to Launch 24 Vertical AGM-179 JAGM or HELLFIRE Missiles

At the prestigious DSEI 2025 defense exhibition, Rheinmetall and Lockheed Martin unveiled a groundbreaking combat vehicle that has captured the attention of military analysts and defense enthusiasts alike. Named the Fuchs JAGM, this highly mobile and advanced vertical missile launcher system represents a significant leap in battlefield technology. It combines the rugged reliability of Rheinmetall’s armored platforms with the precision strike capabilities of Lockheed Martin’s missile systems.

Fuchs JAGM. Photo: Rheinmetall

The Fuchs JAGM is the first vehicle of its kind to be equipped with a vertical launch system capable of deploying up to 24 AGM-179 JAGM or AGM-114L HELLFIRE Longbow missiles. This configuration allows for rapid, sequential targeting and engagement without the need for reloading, a feature that dramatically enhances its operational tempo. The vertical launch capability also reduces the vehicle’s exposure during combat, allowing it to remain concealed while delivering devastating firepower.

Each missile integrated into the Fuchs JAGM system is designed for precision and versatility, capable of engaging both armored ground targets and aerial threats. The AGM-179 JAGM, in particular, boasts a range of up to 16 kilometers and is equipped with a tandem warhead for penetrating advanced armor. Its multimode seeker, which combines semi-active laser guidance with millimeter-wave radar, ensures accurate targeting in all weather conditions and across diverse combat environments.

This advanced missile system is mounted on the latest iteration of Rheinmetall’s Fuchs Evolution 6x6 armored transport vehicle, a platform renowned for its adaptability and resilience. The Evolution variant introduces a modernized drivetrain and digital vehicle architecture, enhancing both performance and reliability under demanding operational conditions. These upgrades make the Fuchs JAGM not only a powerful weapon system but also a highly survivable and efficient battlefield asset.

Crew safety and situational awareness are central to the Fuchs Evolution’s design, with features such as the MirrorCam and a 360-degree vision system providing comprehensive visibility. These technologies allow operators to monitor their surroundings with precision, reducing the risk of ambush and improving tactical decision-making. The vehicle’s interior has also been reconfigured to offer increased payload capacity and a higher roofline, boosting comfort and enabling the integration of specialized equipment.

In its ambulance configuration, the Fuchs Evolution offers a roof height of up to 1.60 meters, allowing for the safe and efficient transport of casualties. This spacious interior can accommodate stretchers and medical personnel, transforming the vehicle into a mobile treatment center in combat zones. Such versatility underscores the platform’s value across a wide range of military operations, from frontline combat to humanitarian missions.

The amphibious capability of the Fuchs Evolution remains a standout feature, with rear-mounted propellers enabling water traversal at speeds of 8 to 10 kilometers per hour. This allows the vehicle to operate in diverse terrains, including riverine and coastal environments, without the need for additional support. Its ability to transition seamlessly between land and water operations adds a layer of strategic flexibility that few armored vehicles can match.

Mobility is another key strength of the Fuchs Evolution, with an on-road speed of up to 100 kilometers per hour and a cruising range exceeding 800 kilometers. The vehicle can navigate challenging terrain, crossing trenches up to 1,200 millimeters wide and handling gradients of 60 percent and side slopes of 30 percent. These capabilities ensure that the Fuchs JAGM can be deployed rapidly and effectively across a wide range of operational theaters.

Protection has been significantly enhanced in the Evolution model, building upon the robust armor of previous generations. The vehicle is engineered to withstand modern battlefield threats, including improvised explosive devices and armor-piercing munitions. This improved survivability ensures that both the crew and the onboard systems remain operational even under intense enemy fire.

The Fuchs Evolution serves in multiple configurations, making it one of the most versatile platforms in Rheinmetall’s portfolio. As an Armored Personnel Carrier (APC), it can transport troops safely across hostile terrain, while its reconnaissance variant is equipped with advanced sensors for battlefield intelligence gathering. The ambulance and medevac versions provide critical support during combat, and the tank destroyer configuration—featuring the JAGM missile system—offers formidable anti-armor capabilities.

The integration of the JAGM missile system into the Fuchs platform marks a strategic evolution in mobile firepower, enabling rapid deployment and precision engagement from a protected and mobile launcher. This combination of mobility, firepower, and survivability positions the Fuchs JAGM as a game-changer in modern warfare. It reflects a growing trend toward modular, multi-role combat vehicles that can adapt to the shifting demands of the battlefield.

Lockheed Martin’s contribution to the system, particularly through its advanced missile technology, reinforces the importance of international collaboration in defense innovation. The AGM-179 JAGM and AGM-114L HELLFIRE Longbow missiles are products of years of research and development, designed to meet the evolving needs of modern militaries. Their inclusion in the Fuchs JAGM system demonstrates a commitment to integrating cutting-edge weaponry with proven vehicle platforms.