The U.S. Marine Corps has successfully test-fired the new Red Wolf missile from an attack helicopter against a sea-based target, marking another step in expanding its long-range strike capabilities, according to a statement from L3Harris Technologies.
The test, conducted in September over the Atlantic Test Range, involved an AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter launching the missile as part of the Marine Corps’ Long Range Attack Missile (LRAM) capability demonstration. We reached out to the U.S. Marine Corps and L3Harris Technologies for comment.
Why It Matters
The test underscores the Marine Corps’ effort to field affordable, networked weapons capable of operating at extended ranges without forcing aircraft to enter adversary air defense zones.
The Red Wolf and its companion system, Green Wolf, are part of broader U.S. military modernization efforts aimed at preparing for potential near-peer conflicts, including with China, as outlined in Department of Defense planning documents from the Pentagon.
What To Know
According to L3Harris, the September test involved a Marine AH-1Z Viper firing a Red Wolf missile at a sea-based target while a UH-1Y Venom helicopter monitored the engagement and tracked potential threats. The company said the test validated the missile’s tracking, targeting, and ease of integration across platforms.
L3Harris describes Red Wolf as a kinetic munition designed for long-range precision strikes. Its sister system, Green Wolf, is a non-kinetic missile intended for electronic warfare missions, including electronic attack and the detection, identification, location, and reporting of adversary threats. The company said production lines for both systems are active to support demonstrations and operational requirements.
The Red Wolf missile was first publicly revealed in February. Earlier depictions of the weapon were released by Naval Air Systems Command following tests conducted at the Yuma Proving Grounds in Arizona in November 2024.
Caveat: The images and statements released by L3Harris do not disclose the missile’s range, payload details, or a timeline for operational deployment. The Marine Corps has not publicly confirmed when, or if, the Red Wolf will enter full operational service.
What People Are Saying
L3Harris Technologies said in a company statement: “The U.S. Marine Corps continued its strong momentum with affordable mass effectors by performing a successful low-altitude test firing of the L3Harris Technologies Red Wolf vehicle over the Atlantic Test Range in September.”
Ed Zoiss, president of Space and Airborne Systems at L3Harris, said in a company press release: “This test validated Red Wolf’s advanced tracking and targeting capabilities, further demonstrating its ease of use and integration across platforms.”
Zoiss added: “We’ve now proven our launched effects vehicles will help provide our warfighters the asymmetrical advantage they need to handle increasingly sophisticated threats without the need to enter into adversary weapon engagement zones.”
What Happens Next
L3Harris said additional demonstrations of the Red Wolf and Green Wolf systems are ongoing as the Marine Corps evaluates future operational use. The Marine Corps has not announced a timeline for full-rate production or deployment, with further testing expected under existing aviation and missile modernization programs.
