Looks like the CCMS-H (close combat missile system- heavy) finally has broken cover. US Army has been developing a TOW replacement. That program (I’ve heard some test discussions on Fort Benning) is to develop an autonomous system more like a Javelin (look ma: no wires!)
Leaves a hell of a signature for sure.
If you can fire and forget, you can reverse out immediately. No hang time. This will make Brad crews very happy.
That’s true, no need to track it to conclusion. But with drone and surveillance tech today you better HA most tikety.
The article mentions surveillance drones, which I saw at SOF Week last year. The ultimate iteration of this system will be one in which they are capable of “indirect fire” - where they can fire sight unseen based up on drone surveillance. they only need to be pointed in the right direction. Their own acqusiition and guidance systems will then take over.
Networked systems that can talk to one another and make decisions are here. The AbramsX reveal included material about drone use for ISR and as part of the kill chain.
The trick is to keep the networked systems talking in the heavy electronic warfare environment like we are seeing in Ukraine. Otherwise, fire and forget takes on a whole new meaning.
Hence, autonomy.
It sounds like the battlefield will continue to be a very dangerous place …