Lockheed Martin conducts first Sanctum counter-UAS launch from GRIZZLY containerized launcher

Lockheed Martin said it intercepted a Group 3 one-way attack test drone using a Joint-Air-to-Ground Missile launched from a GRIZZLY containerized launcher, marking the first time that combination has been used. The company said Sanctum Counter-Unmanned Aerial System battle manager software and Fortem R-40 radars handled detection and tracking ahead of the engagement.

The test took place at Yuma Proving Grounds, Arizona, the company said.

According to the company, Sanctum’s sensors detected and tracked a hostile UAV, the Sanctum mission management software processed the engagement, and the GRIZZLY launcher fired a JAGM that neutralized the target. Integration of hardware-in-the-loop and live-fire testing was completed in under 45 days, which the company said demonstrates an end-to-end approach focused on speed, agility and affordability.

Lockheed Martin said GRIZZLY, built on an existing prototype architecture, enables a ready-to-fire Sanctum C-UAS system without extensive infrastructure or logistics. The company described the setup as integrating advanced sensor, battle management and missile technologies to deliver agile, distributed lethality.

Key elements highlighted by the company include:
– Scalable detection and deployment via small-footprint radar sites with distributed sensors, and a containerized launcher mountable on ground or maritime platforms with a minimal logistical footprint.
– Distributed connectivity using a wireless link between radars, battle management and the launcher for rapid, agile setup.
– Cost-focused sustainment through low-cost commercial sensors, toolless reload and an eight-round launcher capacity.
– An end-to-end, multi-mission “kill web” that integrates radar, battle management, proven-weapon containers and existing layered effectors through Sanctum C-UAS Battle Management software to counter Group 1–4 UAV threats and protect forward operating bases, critical assets and maritime platforms.
– A JAGM-based layer that leverages the missile’s dual-mode seeker (SAL/MMW) and C-UAS capability as a cost-effective effector deployable from a multi-missile launcher across domains to help defend high-value assets.

“The ability to integrate GRIZZLY’s proven launch architecture with Sanctum’s battle manager on an accelerated timeline demonstrates how Lockheed Martin is applying battlefield innovation and cross-program collaboration to rapidly deliver layered defense capabilities to the warfighter,” said Randy Crites, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin Advanced Programs. “This test demonstrated a modular, affordable point-defense solution that can be quickly scaled and deployed across multiple domains to counter evolving threats.”

“This test demonstrates a rapid, low-cost and modular point-defense solution that can be deployed on land or maritime platforms within days,” said Paul Lemmo, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin Sensors, Effectors and Mission Systems. “The demonstrated kill chain can operate standalone or integrated with higher echelon command and control systems through the Sanctum mesh network, showing our commitment to meet our customers’ toughest missions.”