Rheinmetall unveiled the Fuchs JAGM fire support vehicle with a module for six M299 VLS sets for AGM-179 JAGM missiles at the DSEI UK 2025 defence exhibition.
M299 VLS-hauling configuration of Germany’s Fuchs 6x6 armoured vehicle was unveiled as an unorthodox approach for anti-tank and fire support duties on the first day of DSEI UK.
Fuchs JAGM is fitted with six M299 VLS (JAGM Quad Launcher) modules, giving 24 ready-to-fire AGM-179 JAGM missiles in total. To accommodate the VLS modules, an extra structure has been added. The structure includes exhausts, which are seemingly directed to the back of the vehicle, and an EO/IR mast for targeting.
AGM-179 JAGM is suitable for both vertical launch and multi-target engagements due to its mmWR+laser seeker (IIR is also present for JAGM-MR variant). In fact, the US Navy has plans to use the missile for its LCS and even AEGIS destroyers through vertical launchers.
Advantages of Fuchs JAGM can be mainly given as far deeper magazines compared to turreted ATGM vehicles and omnidirectional engagement. However, the centre of mass moving up might bring losses to stability, and the cost of having six VLS modules in one vehicle leaves some question marks on unit cost.
If the idea of putting a significant number of mini-VLS on armoured vehicles proves its feasibility, it might pave the way for other applications like air defence.
Another project for a new generation fire support vehicle using guided missiles from Europe is the MARSEUS, which is aiming for UGVs fitted with an eight-round launcher for AKERON LP missiles with a range of more than eight kilometres and tri-mode guidance. So far, the Estonian Type X heavy tracked UGV and French DRAILER 4x4 UGV have been fitted.
Author: Kaan Azman
Editor:Özgür Ekşi
