Navy fires JAGM missiles from sail-powered drone during RIMPAC 2026 exercises

The US Navy conducted a live-fire test of the Saildrone Surveyor SD-3001, launching two JAGM missiles while under control of the Adjunct Remote Engagement System (ARES) during RIMPAC 2026. This marked the first time the sail-powered USV was used as a combat asset within a carrier strike group. The test also validated the vessel’s passive electronic warfare function by coordinating sensors with an MH-60S helicopter.

Integrating the USV required aligning its autonomous navigation with the Navy’s ARES command framework, a process that began in October 2025 and was completed within six months. The demonstration showed that existing combat effectors like the JAGM can be mounted on the Surveyor without major redesign, reducing development risk. Lockheed Martin and Saildrone cite the test as de-risking future payload upgrades, such as the Mk 70 launcher planned for the larger Saildrone Spectre. Operational adoption will depend on maintaining the USV’s communication link with ARES and ensuring wind-based propulsion remains sufficient for mission profiles.

While the Surveyor proved capable of missile launch and EW tasks, its current configuration is limited to the payloads demonstrated, meaning larger or heavier systems cannot be employed until further integration work. Future work will focus on expanding payload capacity and refining autonomous behaviors for broader fleet employment. The successful demonstration confirms that the USV can operate alongside manned ships in a strike group environment.