Oshkosh unveils ROGUE-Fires with MFOM

Oshkosh has unveiled a new variant of its ROGUE-Fires platform that is equipped with the Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) Family of Munitions (MFOM) at the AUSA Global Force Symposium, according to a 24th March press release.

The Remotely Operated Ground Unit for Expeditionary Fires (ROGUE-Fires) platform leverages the Oshkosh JLTV drivetrain to provide an autonomous or drive-by-wire rocket and missile launching platform. Adding a modular launch pod for the MFOM enables the platform to fire the full suite of 227 mm guided rockets available to the US Army, including the Precision Strike Missile when it enters service, and the ATACMS. The image provided by Oshkosh indicates that the vehicle is fitted with the launch module from an M142 HIMARS, which provides space for six rockets or one ballistic missile. 

ROGUE-Fires was initially developed to carry the US Marine Corps’ NMESIS – the Navy/Marine Corps Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System. It is designed to provide the USMC with an over-the-horizon weapon system for use against adversary ships, allowing them to deploy marines to unexpected littoral areas and provide dispersed lethality.

However, the company is keen to develop the platform further, mentioning other roles including logistics operations and autonomous resupply, alongside its existing long-range fires variants. Oshkosh appears to be positioning itself for a likely US Army requirement that will look to identify and procure an autonomous rocket launcher. 

Brigadier General Rory Crooks, leader of the US Army’s Long-Range Precision Fires Cross Functional Team told Defense News in January this year that the Army “believes it is facing “deficits” in three categories — range, capacity and survivability.” The solution for the third element includes “new requirements for autonomous launchers that could lead to an eventual prototyping competition,” the article states.

This indicates that the Oshkosh ROGUE-Fires with MFOM may be positioned for this anticipated programme, and it is likely joining the Raytheon DeepStrike platform. The US Army’s own developmental platform, the Autonomous Multi-Domain Launcher (AML) will be factored into those requirements, as well as demonstrations of Industry vehicles during Project Convergence, Crooks said. 

Calibre comment

 Adding the Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) Family of Munitions (MFOM) to the already proven and accepted ROGUE-Fires is a fairly sensible move from Oshkosh as it represents a relatively proven solution. The MFOM are the US Army’s primary form of long-range, surface-to-surface fires and the modular launcher allows for the integration of existing weapons, like the M31A1 guided rocket, and future ones like the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM). The platform likely represents an Oshkosh bid to secure a larger share of a contract if one were to be launched. The company’s vehicles are already used for the ROGUE-Fires, as well as a cruise-missile carrying vehicle. Its FMTV A2 launcher is the base for Raytheon’s DeepStrike, and it also provides the base vehicle for the M142 HIMARS, which the AML is based on.