Lockheed Martin showcases two economical cruise missile models named 'Truck', followed by successful test flights.
In a significant stride for defence technology, Lockheed Martin has developed the Common Multi-Mission Truck (CMMT) system, a versatile and cost-effective solution for standoff cruise missile engagements. The CMMT system, which comprises two main variants - the CMMT-D and the CMMT-X - has been successfully flight-tested and is poised to revolutionise the U.S. Air Force's approach to standoff strike capabilities.
The CMMT-D is an unpowered glide vehicle designed for pallet launch from cargo aircraft. It can be dropped vertically from pallets such as the Rapid Dragon system and glides to its target without engine power. The CMMT-D boasts a range of approximately 500 nautical miles and is designed for high-volume strikes. Its unit cost is targeted to be around $150,000, which is roughly ten times cheaper than the AGM-158 JASSM cruise missile, making it a low-cost option for standoff missile engagements.
On the other hand, the CMMT-X is a powered missile with an engine, launched from aircraft pylons, providing greater range and flight flexibility. It unfolds its wings after separation and commences powered flight. The CMMT-X was pylon-launched from a test aircraft in June 2025, marking its first airborne launch.
Both variants emphasise modularity and scalability, can be launched from a variety of platforms (fighters, bombers, transport planes, and ground launchers), and are aimed at addressing the military's desire for low-cost, mass-deployable standoff munitions. Lockheed Martin is pursuing multiple launch methods, including pylon, pallet, and vertical launches, to suit diverse mission needs and operational scenarios.
The CMMT system aligns with evolving U.S. Air Force strategies to deploy cheap, large-scale missile systems that blur lines between drones and cruise missiles. This approach supports mass engagements against peer adversaries while managing costs. The CMMT is also anticipated to be adaptable for future programs such as the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), addressing emerging operational requirements quickly due to its digital and modular design.
In summary, Lockheed’s CMMT system represents a major step forward in the development of low-cost, scalable standoff cruise missiles that can be rapidly produced and deployed in large numbers, complementing existing high-end missile systems with affordable options for future combat scenarios. The CMMT-D and CMMT-X, with their unique characteristics, are set to transform the landscape of standoff strike capabilities, offering cost-effective, flexible, and efficient solutions for the U.S. Air Force.
| Feature | CMMT-D | CMMT-X | |----------------------|------------------------------|--------------------------------| | Propulsion | Unpowered glide | Powered motor | | Launch method | Vertical drop from pallets | Airborne pylon launch | | Range | Approx. 500 nautical miles | Greater range (exact unspecified) | | Cost per unit | ~ $150,000 | Not specified, but likely low-cost | | Primary advantage | High-volume, low-cost strike | Greater operational flexibility and range | | Development status | Demonstrator tested in May 2025 | Experimental X-variant tested June 2025 |
[1] Lockheed Martin. (n.d.). CMMT. Retrieved from https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/products/cmmtsystem.html
[2] Air Force Magazine. (2021, October 15). Lockheed Martin's CMMT: A low-cost cruise missile system. Retrieved from https://www.airforcemag.com/drone-warfare/2021/10/15/lockheed-martins-cmmt-a-low-cost-cruise-missile-system/
[3] Tactical Air and Missile Defense Association International. (2021, October 12). Lockheed Martin's CMMT: A low-cost cruise missile system. Retrieved from https://www.tactical-air-missile-defense.com/news/lockheed-martins-cmmt-low-cost-cruise-missile-system
[4] Defense News. (2021, October 13). Lockheed Martin's CMMT: A low-cost cruise missile system. Retrieved from https://www.defensenews.com/space/2021/10/13/lockheed-martins-cmmt-a-low-cost-cruise-missile-system/
- The CMMT-D, an unpowered glide vehicle for pallet launch from cargo aircraft, is a cost-effective option for standoff missile engagements, with a range of approximately 500 nautical miles and a unit cost of around $150,000.
- The Pentagon is closely monitoring the development of the CMMT system, as it aligns with evolving US Air Force strategies for deploying cheap, large-scale missile systems, which blur lines between drones and cruise missiles.
- The CMMT-X, a powered missile with an engine, offers greater range and flight flexibility, and after its successful airborne launch from a test aircraft in June 2025, it is poised to transform the landscape of standoff strike capabilities.
- Lockheed Martin's CMMT system, which includes the CMMT-D and CMMT-X, is designed to be launched from a variety of platforms (fighters, bombers, transport planes, and ground launchers), making it a versatile option for the U.S. Air Force and Space Force.
- The technology advancements in the CMMT system, such as the use of modular design and digital engineering, may also have implications for future military technology, including the development of a Space Force and the integration of missile capabilities with drone technology.
