iscover
In a landmark virtual demonstration held during Exercise Balikatan 2025, Lockheed Martin and the United States Army have showcased a cutting-edge integration of battlefield technologies, enabling a simulated HIMARS rocket to be retargeted midflight to strike a moving surface target.
This marks the first time such a capability has been tested within the US Indo-Pacific Command’s area of responsibility.
The demonstration, conducted as part of a Maritime Strike mission on 5 May 2025, saw targeting data shared seamlessly across a range of platforms, redirecting a simulated munition in real time. The success is being hailed as a significant milestone in expanding the US Army’s ability to strike mobile and maritime targets using existing systems like HIMARS without requiring costly onboard seekers.
The test highlights how integrating disparate offensive and defensive systems, many of which weren’t originally designed to work together, can dramatically improve agility and flexibility on the modern battlefield. By securely networking sensors, weapons (effectors) and command systems, forces can select the most appropriate effector for each mission, enhancing adaptability and cost-effectiveness.
“This is the first step towards developing a truly multi-domain missile capable of both offensive and defensive operations,” Lockheed Martin said. The integration of data-linked fires offers the Army a new capability to engage mobile targets without the need for expensive, seeker-equipped munitions.
“Our customers are demanding Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control and Lockheed Martin is delivering,” said Tim Cahill, president of Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “We securely and effectively integrated previously separate battlefield assets sensors, effectors and mission command systems – to create an innovative joint fires capability that transforms existing Army systems. This is military modernisation in action.”
The successful demonstration forms part of Lockheed Martin’s broader push to merge existing platforms with emerging 21st century security technologies, enabling faster, data-driven decisions across land, air, sea, cyber and space domains.
With growing emphasis on interoperability and real-time decision making in the Indo-Pacific, this development signals an important shift towards more agile, connected and adaptive defence capabilities.
While led by the United States, the lessons are highly relevant to allies such as Australia, which are also seeking to bolster sovereign long-range strike and integrated targeting systems under AUKUS and other regional partnerships.
