Oshkosh Defense Unveils X-MAV: New Mobile Launcher for Tomahawk Missiles
Oshkosh Defense has revealed the X-MAV, a new mobile land-based launcher for four Tomahawk cruise missiles, at the AUSA 2025 defense expo in Washington, D.C. The X-MAV is a significant addition to the US Army's modernization efforts, designed for off-road operations and rapid repositioning.
The X-MAV is purpose-built for off-road use, enabling 'shoot-and-scoot' tactics and easier concealment in contested terrain. It aligns with the US Army's Common Autonomous Multi-Domain Launcher, Heavy (CAML-H) concept, envisioning an autonomous-capable, high-endurance launcher for long-range fires.
The X-MAV is part of a new Family of Multi-Mission Autonomous Vehicles (FMAV), which also includes the M-MAV and L-MAV, designed for different payloads. All three vehicles can operate autonomously or in a coordinated, low-crew fire-support network. Ukrainian and US officials are in 'detailed and active' technical coordination on Tomahawk integration, including discussions on missile configurations and launch platforms.
The Tomahawk missiles have a range of approximately 1,600 km, can operate with two-way datalinks, follow terrain, loiter near targets, and be reprogrammed mid-flight. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that if Tomahawks are transferred to Ukraine, they would be used exclusively against military targets.
The X-MAV offers a more survivable and flexible alternative to the current containerized Typhon launcher system used by the US Army. Its off-road capabilities and autonomous operations make it a valuable addition to the US Army's modernization efforts and a potential asset for Ukraine's defense.
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