Viper Attack Helicopter Adds the JAGM to Its Arsenal
The Department of Aviation, Headquarters Marine Corps declared initial operational capability for the AGM-179A joint air-to-ground missile on the AH-1Z Viper helicopter, March 1, 2022
The Marine Corps announced this major milestone after the program successfully conducted a robust initial operational test and evaluation period, and received delivery of missiles, training, and pertinent equipment.
“The success of the JAGM system to date is a reflection of the hard work and effort by the Marines, sailors, and civilians at Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron One (VMX-1), Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1), Direct and Time Sensitive Strike (PMA-242) and the Light/Attack Helicopter program offices (PMA-276), the Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Two One (HX-21), fleet Marine units, our industry partners, and the many years of support received from across the Department of Defense,” said Marine Corps Assistant Deputy Commandant for Aviation Brig. Gen. Matthew T. Mowery.
Testing and evaluation teams from across the Department of Defense conducted extensive analysis of the weapon system’s performance, capturing data relevant to its effectiveness on maritime and land targets.
Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 267 (HMLA-267) from 3rd Marine Air Wing (MAW) will be one of the of first Marine Corps squadrons to field the JAGM on their upcoming deployment with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit.
The addition of the JAGM into the Marine Corps’ arsenal increases the ability to mass fires in all weather conditions, and expands Marine Corps aviation versatility as an integral part of the Fleet Marine Forces.
The featured photo: U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Charles Smith, pilot, Marine Corps Aviation Detachment Patuxent River and Capt. Gregory Moore, operational test director, Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron 1 (VMX-1), pilot an AH-1Z Viper during a joint air-to-ground missile (JAGM) operational test at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, Dec. 6, 2021.