**Location and Event Context**
Huntsville, Alabama hosted the Association of the U.S. Army’s Global Force Symposium where the Marine Corps introduced its new mobile, long-range fires capability featuring a multirocket launch system and autonomous technology.
**Product Announcement**
Oshkosh Defense unveiled the latest version of the Remotely Operated Ground Unit for Expeditionary Fires (ROGUE-Fires). This new iteration is designed to function with a payload-agnostic platform carried by the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV), enabling long-range fires, as well as autonomous resupply and logistics operations.
**Company Statement**
Pat Williams, Chief Programs Officer at Oshkosh Defense, emphasized the importance of leveraging proven vehicle families to create autonomous platforms that provide unmatched operational flexibility. This development aims to prepare forces to counter emerging threats.
**Contract Details**
The U.S. Marine Corps awarded Oshkosh a contract worth $40 million to construct the unmanned missile launcher following a successful prototyping phase that concluded in September 2023. The design involved removing the JLTV cab and integrating a missile launcher to create an autonomous mobile firing platform.
**Platform Capabilities**
Previously focused on the Naval Strike Missile, the ROGUE-Fires platform’s capabilities have expanded to include the Multiple Launch Rocket System family of munitions (MFOM). Features like long-range precision fires and autonomous operations allow for greater operational efficiency.
**Technical Advancements**
Oshkosh has developed a power train adaptable for hybrid-electric power, leading to silent operation modes, fuel savings, and the ability to charge devices. This variant also caters to Army requirements for mature systems equipped with autonomous features.
**Software Development and Applications**
The autonomy software utilized in the ROGUE platform drew from the Army’s previous “leader-follower” program, allowing a manned vehicle to lead a convoy of unmanned vehicles. The technology is also integrated into various Army autonomous operations, including Expedient Leader Follower and Autonomous Ground Resupply programs.
**Partnership and Technology Enhancements**
In January, the Marines contracted Oshkosh to incorporate an off-road, self-driving package from Forterra. This AutoDrive system enables the ROGUE-Fires vehicle to navigate autonomously in various terrains, advancing capabilities beyond simple leader-follower operations.
**Testing History and Missile Specifications**
The first test fire of the Naval Strike Missile from the ROGUE platform occurred in June 2020. The system is designed for long-range anti-ship capabilities, boasting a range exceeding 750 kilometers, which is consistent with Marine Tactics for short-lived territorial control along with sea control and denial missions for naval operations.
**Author Background**
The article is authored by Todd South, a Marine veteran, who has experience covering crime, courts, government, and military affairs since 2004, and was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in 2014 for a project focused on witness intimidation.
