RTX has presented its next-generation DeepFires system at the AUSA 2025 exhibition, marking a major step toward autonomous, multi-mission ground launchers. Designed to perform both long-range precision strikes and air defense missions, DeepFires merges dual capabilities into one mobile, unmanned platform.
Built on the Oshkosh Defense 6×6 FMTV A2 chassis, DeepFires eliminates the need for a crew cabin. A compact forward module houses all navigation, targeting, and control systems, enabling the vehicle to operate entirely autonomously. This approach minimizes its radar and visual signature while maximizing internal space for advanced electronics and mission systems.
The rear of the vehicle carries a modular vertical launch unit capable of accommodating different missile configurations. Depending on operational requirements, the system can deploy Tomahawk cruise missiles for deep-strike missions or Patriot interceptors for air and missile defense, switching between offensive and defensive roles with minimal reconfiguration.
Autonomy software developed by Forterra allows DeepFires to self-navigate, maneuver through complex terrain, avoid obstacles, and even conduct resupply operations without human assistance. The AI-driven control system is optimized for GPS-denied and high-threat environments, ensuring sustained functionality in modern combat conditions.
Designed for endurance, the launcher can operate independently of external power sources and conduct extended missions with fewer resupply needs. Its C-130 transportability enables rapid deployment to distant or strategically sensitive regions, providing greater flexibility for expeditionary and distributed operations—particularly across the Indo-Pacific theater.
According to RTX officials, DeepFires represents more than a technological innovation—it signals a strategic evolution in the U.S. Army’s Multi-Domain Operations framework. By merging long-range strike and air defense into a single autonomous system, DeepFires offers a powerful, adaptable asset that enhances combat readiness and survivability in contested zones. Prototype trials and initial operational assessments are expected to begin in 2026.
