At the DSEI 2025 defense exhibition, German defense giant Rheinmetall, together with Lockheed Martin, showcased a new variant of the Fuchs APC. Notably, it is equipped with six naval MK 41 vertical launch systems, each carrying four AGM-179 JAGM guided missiles, giving a total salvo of 24 missiles.
Rheinmetall notes that the new system can use not only the JAGM but also the AGM-114L Hellfire Longbow with a millimeter-wave radar seeker. This vehicle is designed to engage ground, air, and naval targets.
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For targeting, the Fuchs JAGM is equipped with an optical targeting station mounted on a special mast, which can likely be raised for improved visibility. However, judging by the displayed model, the vehicle does not have a radar, so its ability to detect and engage aerial targets remains uncertain.
The system has a maximum engagement range of 16 km, allowing it to counter main battle tanks from outside their effective range. Both the JAGM and Longbow missiles are effective against cruise missiles, drones, aircraft, and helicopters. In the case of the Longbow, the range is limited to 8 km.
The chassis used is a modern Fuchs Evolution 6x6, based on the Fuchs in service with Germany since 1979. It weighs 25 tons, is powered by a 455-horsepower diesel engine, and has ballistic protection, with the base version at STANAG 4569 Level 2 (protection against 7.62×39 mm rounds) and optional additional armor up to Level 4 (protection against 14.5×114 mm rounds).
It is worth noting that the AGM-179 JAGM has a dual-mode semi-active laser and millimeter-wave radar seeker. However, a standard JAGM has a range of only 8 km, as it is an evolution of the AGM-114 Hellfire equipped with a new seeker.
It is likely that the Fuchs integrates the JAGM-MR variant, with the range doubled to 16 km. The AGM-114L Longbow is essentially a standard Hellfire but equipped with a millimeter-wave radar seeker.
Regarding cost, the AGM-179 JAGM is expensive; in the Netherlands, the price is reportedly twice as high as standard, and in the U.S., they cost over $700,000 each.
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