Northrop Grumman has completed a key flight test of its Jackal precision strike missile, advancing the development of its next generation weapon system.  

The test confirmed the readiness of Jackal’s flight systems, including airframe, propulsion, navigation, and autopilot components, the company’s release on 1 June stated. 

During the assessment, the Jackal missile demonstrated its automated turbojet engine start, autopilot-controlled flight, and high-speed manoeuvring.  

Northrop Grumman reported that these outcomes confirm technical readiness in key subsystems.  

The company stated that additional testing and evaluation are planned as the programme moves towards operational readiness. 

Jackal is a lightweight one-way attack munition, designed for contested environments, including GPS-denied conditions. 

The missile has a range of 100km when launched from the surface or 125km from an airborne platform. It can reach speeds exceeding 300mph.  

The system uses AI-driven algorithms to identify, and attack selected threats autonomously if there is no line-of-sight from the firing position. 

Northrop Grumman stated that the missile’s flight path is designed to minimise detection and aims to “enhance operational effectiveness and manoeuvre force safety.” 

The missile weighs 36.5kg and is 1.6 metres (m) long, with a wingspan of 1.2m and a diameter of 152 mm.  

According to the company, Jackal is suitable for deployment from air, land, or sea launch platforms and can be mounted on light tactical vehicles, which can carry up to eight launch canisters for use in a single mission. 

Jackal also accommodates a 3kg dual mode warhead or electronic warfare package.  

Northrop Grumman said the testing programme would continue as the system progresses towards planned operational readiness.