AH-1Z Viper: New Long Range Precision Fire Capability
**The U.S. Marine Corps has successfully tested the new Long Range Precision Fire (LRPF) capability on the AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter.** This milestone was announced by the U.S. Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in a statement released on February 13, 2025. The groundbreaking test took place in November 2024 at the Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona. During this exercise, the AH-1Z demonstrated its capability to launch a weapon using an innovative wireless application called the Marine Air-Ground Tablet (MAGTAB).
This successful test marks a significant advancement for the Marine Corps, as it is the first instance of a rotary-wing platform firing a weapon system controlled via a tablet device. The test not only showcased the effectiveness of the weapon system in various combat scenarios but also exceeded the required standards for position, navigation, and timing. Colonel Scott Shadforth, Director of the Expeditionary Marine Aviation – Advanced Development Team (XMA-ADT), highlighted the strategic essence of the LRPF capability, calling it a cost-effective solution for long-range precision strikes against both land and maritime targets.
Integration of MAGTAB with Strikes on Land and Sea Targets
The Marine Corps has officially embarked on integrating the AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter into long-range maritime operations while enhancing its tactical combat planning through the MAGTAB system. This integration aims to refine communication processes and improve strike capabilities during engagements. Notably, on June 26, 2024, the Marines made history by firing an AGM-179 JAGM (Joint Air-to-Ground Missile) at a moving maritime target for the first time from an AH-1Z Viper during a live-fire exercise in the Philippine Sea.
This event not only marked the inaugural JAGM shot from the AH-1Z Viper, but it also represented a pioneering moment for such operations within the Indo-Pacific region. Additionally, the Marine Corps has secured approval for the sale of AH-1Z attack helicopters to Slovakia, further emphasizing the ongoing commitment to enhancing military capabilities and partnerships globally.
