Exclusive: US Tests Autonomous Multi-Domain Rocket Launcher with Direct Support Fire Technology.

The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has revealed exciting advancements in autonomous systems and direct fire capabilities through the successful experimentation of an Autonomous Multi-Domain Launcher (AMDL) during Project Convergence-Capstone 5 (PC-C5), held at Fort Irwin, California. According to a picture released on March 8, 2025, by the DoD, the AMDL was captured in action, showcasing its innovative capabilities in the field. This development represents a significant leap forward in the integration of next-generation technologies aimed at transforming the future of warfare.
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An Autonomous Multi-Domain Launcher conducts tests with Direct Support Fire Technology during Project Convergence-Capstone 5 at Fort Irwin, California. (Picture source: U.S. DoD)

PC-C5 (Project Convergence-Capstone 5) serves as a pivotal venue for joint services and multinational allies to engage in extensive testing, validation, and integration of cutting-edge technologies. The event, which ran through March 8, brought together military forces from the United States and its international partners to experiment with the most advanced systems designed to reshape the battlefield in the coming decades.

At the heart of the 2025 iteration of Project Convergence was the Autonomous Multi-Domain Launcher (AMDL). It was put through rigorous testing scenarios designed to showcase its potential to deliver direct support fire. This technology is positioned to play a critical role in future combat scenarios, where swift adaptability, precision, and versatility will define the success of military operations across various domains, including land, air, sea, space, and cyber.

The AMDL was specifically tasked with integrating direct support fire capabilities into the broader scope of multi-domain operations. The system’s ability to fire precise, rapid strikes across different environments provides military units with enhanced capabilities to respond to evolving threats in real-time. This is particularly important in the context of "hybrid warfare," where adversaries employ a mix of traditional and non-traditional tactics.

PC-C5 is not only a showcase for U.S. military technologies but also an opportunity for the United States' multinational allies to participate in the future of warfighting. The integration of various allied forces allows for a more diverse and robust evaluation of these technologies. The AMDL's performance during the event was closely monitored by personnel from allied nations, underscoring the importance of joint interoperability in modern warfare.

The collaboration with multinational forces also emphasizes the growing trend of global defense cooperation in the field of autonomous systems, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced weapons platforms. By testing and integrating these technologies in real-world, multi-domain environments, military forces from across the globe can better prepare for the challenges posed by emerging security threats.

Direct support fire technology, the focus of the AMDL trials, is expected to significantly alter how future military engagements are conducted. Traditional combat models often rely on heavy, manned artillery or air support to deliver close support fire, which can be time-consuming and vulnerable to enemy action. In contrast, the AMDL's autonomous capabilities enable more immediate and precise responses, reducing the reliance on human operators in dangerous environments and offering greater agility on the battlefield.

The tests at Fort Irwin involved the AMDL performing various strike missions in both urban and open terrains, demonstrating the system's ability to navigate and engage targets with minimal human intervention. The direct support fire applications were designed to complement other autonomous assets being tested at PC-C5, such as unmanned aerial systems (UAS), robotic ground vehicles, and AI-driven command and control systems.

The experimental success of the Autonomous Multi-Domain Launcher at Project Convergence-Capstone 5 is just the latest in a series of ambitious steps by the U.S. Department of Defense to transform the future of warfare. The trials at Fort Irwin showcase how autonomous systems and AI are set to revolutionize combat strategies and operational tempo. These technologies promise to enable military forces to rapidly adapt to dynamic battle conditions, outpace adversaries, and reduce risk to human personnel.

The results of PC-C5 are expected to shape future procurement strategies for both the U.S. and its allies, as well as influence the development of new doctrine and tactics. The integration of autonomous systems like the AMDL with existing military platforms signals a new era of military operations, one where speed, precision, and automation will play pivotal roles in achieving mission success.

Project Convergence-Capstone 5 has demonstrated that autonomous systems are no longer a distant concept for the future of warfare – they are here and ready to redefine how military forces engage in battle. As testing and experimentation continue, we can expect to see even more groundbreaking advancements in direct support fire technology and multi-domain operations.

The U.S. Department of Defense has made it clear that the lessons learned from PC-C5 will influence future defense strategies and technological investments, particularly in areas such as unmanned systems, AI, and integrated joint warfare. The successful integration of the Autonomous Multi-Domain Launcher into this framework is just one example of how modern military forces are preparing to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing global security environment.

As the Pentagon continues to evolve its capabilities, technologies like the AMDL are set to play a critical role in ensuring military forces remain capable, adaptable, and dominant in the face of emerging threats across all domains. The outcome of Project Convergence-Capstone 5 signals that the future of warfare is autonomous, multi-domain, and increasingly integrated with allied forces across the globe.