Breaking News
US Relies on Oshkosh to Strengthen Marine Corps' Anti-Ship Warfare with ROGUE-Fires Missile System.
Oshkosh Defense LLC, a leader in tactical vehicle development for military forces, has secured an $18.96 million contract modification to continue the development of its ROGUE-Fires system. This unmanned ground vehicle (UGV), part of the Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS), is designed to enhance the U.S. Marine Corps' ground-based anti-ship missile capabilities. Built on the proven Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) platform developed by Oshkosh, the ROGUE-Fires will be capable of deploying Naval Strike Missiles (NSM) with high precision. The system can operate either autonomously or via remote control.
With the ROGUE-Fires system, the US Marine Corps enhances its operational reach while maintaining mobility and stealth (Picture source: Army Recognition)
The project is managed by the Marine Corps Systems Command in Quantico, Virginia, with work distributed across three locations: Oshkosh, Wisconsin (67%), Alexandria, Virginia (18%), and Gaithersburg, Maryland (15%). Funding for the initiative includes $12.12 million from FY 2023 and $6.98 million from FY 2024 budgets. Final delivery is expected by September 2026, aligning with the Marine Corps’ modernization goals under the Force Design 2030 initiative.
The ROGUE-Fires system addresses the growing need for mobile, land-based anti-ship missile platforms. By integrating advanced autonomy and remote operation technologies, it enables the U.S. military to engage maritime targets effectively while reducing risks to personnel. The platform supports multiple payloads, including the Naval Strike Missile (NSM), which has a range of 185 kilometers (100 nautical miles) and uses low-altitude, radar-evading flight paths to maximize survivability and accuracy.
The system demonstrated its operational effectiveness during Large Scale Exercise 21 (LSE 21) in 2021. During the exercise, NMESIS, equipped with ROGUE-Fires, showcased its ability to implement sea denial and control tactics in contested environments. These included "scoot-and-shoot" operations, where the system relocates quickly after firing to avoid enemy counterattacks. Additionally, ROGUE-Fires can perform distributed logistics operations, enhancing its functionality on the battlefield.
The Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV), which forms the foundation of the ROGUE-Fires, was designed as a replacement for the aging Humvee to meet modern combat requirements. Developed by Oshkosh Defense, the JLTV combines mobility, protection, and modularity. It provides enhanced resistance to mines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) while maintaining exceptional off-road capabilities for operations in challenging environments.
The JLTV’s modular design allows it to be adapted for various missions, including troop transport, command operations, and integration of advanced weapon systems like the Naval Strike Missile. Its speed, payload capacity, and durability make it a key asset for expeditionary forces. Furthermore, its ability to integrate emerging technologies ensures its adaptability to the evolving needs of the military.
The NMESIS program aims to address the challenges posed by contested maritime environments, particularly in strategic regions such as the Pacific. With the ROGUE-Fires system, the Marine Corps enhances its operational reach while maintaining mobility and stealth. The platform's ability to launch missiles from land positions strengthens sea denial strategies, allowing effective countermeasures against adversarial vessels before they pose significant threats.
This contract highlights the U.S. military's continued investment in innovative defense technologies. By focusing on unmanned systems, the Marine Corps enhances its operational effectiveness while reducing risks to personnel. The ROGUE-Fires system supports broader strategic objectives to ensure the U.S. maintains its military advantage in increasingly complex and technologically advanced conflict scenarios.