Lockheed Martin Unveils Common Multi-Mission Truck Missile

Lockheed Martin has officially unveiled its new Common Multi-Mission Truck (CMMT) missile, also known as "Comet," marking a significant shift in the approach to cost-effective and scalable warfare solutions. What initially appeared as a teaser video has now evolved into a full-fledged missile development program designed to meet the increasing demand for affordable mass weaponry.

A New Approach to Warfare

Scott Callaway, Director of Affordable Mass at Lockheed Martin, emphasized the urgent need for a missile that is both low-cost and rapidly producible, ensuring that military forces can sustain high-volume operations without depleting expensive long-range missiles. CMMT is a family of modular and scalable air vehicles that can be deployed from multiple platforms, including fighter jets, bombers, airlifters, helicopters, and ground-based launchers.

The missile’s key selling points include its modular architecture and its ability to integrate a variety of warheads, sensors, and propulsion systems depending on the mission requirements. It follows Lockheed Martin’s philosophy of prioritizing affordability and mass production over expensive, high-end precision weapons.

Key Features and Capabilities

CMMT has been designed as a highly flexible weapon system with two initial configurations:

1. Airlifter-Deployable Variant – This version can be released from transport aircraft like the C-130 and C-17, allowing for rapid deployment over long distances. It boasts a range exceeding 500 nautical miles.

2. Helicopter-Launched Variant – A shorter, long-range effect version specifically designed for launch from rotary-wing platforms.

One of the standout features of CMMT is its compatibility with various launch platforms. The missile is small enough to fit inside the internal weapons bay of an F-35 but can also be configured for ground-based and naval applications. Additionally, Lockheed Martin has emphasized that the system is designed with Weapon Open System Architecture (WOSA), allowing for seamless integration with existing U.S. military platforms.

Manufacturing and Cost Efficiency

Lockheed Martin is taking a unique approach with the CMMT program, focusing on mass production scalability. The missile is designed for high-volume manufacturing using distributed production techniques, which allow multiple factories to produce different components simultaneously. Each production line is expected to roll out approximately 2,500 units, with the potential for expansion as demand increases.

By leveraging digital design tools and existing proven missile technologies, Lockheed has managed to cut the time required for preliminary design review by 50%. The company aims to offer the CMMT at a competitive price point, comparable to the U.S. Air Force’s Franklin missile, which costs around $150,000 per unit.

Potential Naval and Ground Applications

While primarily an air-launched system, Lockheed Martin has hinted at its potential naval applications. Thanks to its modular design, CMMT can be adapted for ship-based launchers or be fitted with boosters for ground-based systems like HIMARS. This adaptability could prove valuable in modern combat scenarios where forces require high volumes of cost-effective missiles to maintain battlefield superiority.

Addressing Affordability and Combat Readiness

The development of CMMT comes at a time when militaries worldwide are grappling with the challenge of maintaining sufficient firepower without exhausting their stockpiles of expensive, high-precision missiles. The U.S. military has traditionally prioritized performance over cost efficiency, but the rising need for a high-volume, cost-effective alternative to weapons like JASSM and LRASM has driven Lockheed’s approach.

Experts suggest that CMMT could fill the affordability gap by providing an expendable, long-range missile option that complements more advanced cruise missiles. However, challenges remain, particularly in balancing affordability with advanced targeting and warhead capabilities, especially in maritime operations where larger warheads and specialized seekers are often required.

Looking Ahead

Lockheed Martin’s CMMT program is poised to redefine mass warfare by offering a modular, low-cost missile that can be rapidly produced and deployed across multiple platforms. As global conflicts evolve, the demand for cost-effective and scalable solutions will only grow, making CMMT a critical asset for future military operations.

The coming months will be crucial as Lockheed Martin continues testing and refining its new missile family. If successful, CMMT could set a new standard for modern warfare, ensuring that militaries can sustain prolonged engagements without breaking the bank.