Revolutionary Autonomous Munitions from L3Harris
A leading defense company based in Melbourne has introduced a new line of autonomous munitions that are set to transform the battlefield. L3Harris, known for its cutting-edge technology, has unveiled two advanced systems called Red Wolf and Green Wolf. These multi-role vehicles are designed to provide cost-effective and precise solutions for electronic warfare and strike operations.
These newly developed munitions represent a major advancement in networked weaponry. They can be deployed from air, ground, or maritime platforms, supporting joint all-domain operations. The goal is to meet the urgent needs of the U.S. Department of Defense for advanced, capable, and affordable munitions that can be used across different services and environments.
Strategic Advantage in Modern Warfare
The Red Wolf and Green Wolf offer a significant advantage in closing long-range kill chains. This means they help military branches, regardless of their platform, to effectively defeat adversarial threats in challenging environments while protecting critical assets. According to Ed Zoiss, President of Space and Airborne Systems at L3Harris, these systems are not only lethal but also modular, affordable, and ready to operate in various conditions.
L3Harris has been working on these vehicles for the past five years, conducting over 40 flights to test their capabilities. The company is currently preparing for low-rate initial production, with dozens of systems expected to be built by the end of 2025. This effort is supported by infrastructure expansions and automation enhancements.
Flexibility and Reusability
One of the key features of these platforms is their recoverability. This allows for flexibility in developing and integrating different payloads. The ability to recover and reuse the vehicles offers significant cost and logistics advantages. Commanders can use them to strike, jam, or surveil as operational needs evolve, making them a complete multi-domain toolkit.
Both Red Wolf and Green Wolf are equipped with advanced onboard software that supports autonomous coordination, swarming behaviors, dynamic re-targeting, and in-flight mission updates. Their modular and scalable design makes them adaptable to various tactical environments.
Extended Range and Cost Efficiency
Reports indicate that these vehicles can fly at least 200 nautical miles (370 kilometers), which is significantly farther than precision air-to-ground munitions currently used on platforms like the AH-1Z. Sterling Jones, general manager of L3Harris’ Agile Development Group, noted that the system is five to six times cheaper than current Naval Strike missiles.
“This is exactly what the services are looking for,” said Jones. Other tests have included high-altitude launches, where the Wolf’s subsonic jet engine was ignited at 40,000 feet.
Matthew Klunder, vice-president for US Navy and Marine Corps accounts at L3Harris, envisions swarms of these launched-effect vehicles. Each could carry different payloads but operate together to perform complex group tasks, offering a versatile and powerful solution for modern warfare.