US Marine Corps’ ROGUE-Fires Gets Smarter, Deadlier With Autonomous Targeting and Hybrid Power

Alaska, USA - The Marine Corps' latest answer to mobile, long-range precision firepower just got a serious upgrade. Oshkosh Defense has unveiled a new iteration of the Remotely Operated Ground Unit for Expeditionary Fires (ROGUE-Fires)—a robotic missile launcher that can now integrate a multi-rocket launch system and autonomous navigation technology.

The newest version of ROGUE-Fires, showcased at the Association of the U.S. Army’s Global Force Symposium in Huntsville, Alabama, represents a major step forward in the Corps' push for autonomous, long-range strike capabilities. Built on the rugged Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) chassis, this unmanned missile platform is designed to fire multiple types of munitions, resupply itself autonomously, and support logistics operations.

A Missile Truck with a Brain

Oshkosh Defense’s Pat Williams, chief programs officer, framed the upgrade as a direct response to the changing nature of modern battlefields.

“As the battlefield continues to evolve, we are leveraging the mature and proven Oshkosh families of vehicles to design payload-agnostic autonomous platforms that deliver unmatched flexibility, enabling forces to outpace emerging threats and maintain operational dominance,” Williams stated told Defense News.

The U.S. Marine Corps first contracted Oshkosh Defense in September 2023 with a $40 million deal to develop this unmanned missile launcher. Initially, the project focused on launching the Naval Strike Missile (NSM)—a weapon designed to take out enemy ships and secure access for U.S. Navy operations in littoral regions.

The new version, however, goes beyond naval strikes. The addition of multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) capabilities brings land-based strike options into the mix, meaning Marines could now engage enemy forces on both land and sea from a single autonomous platform.

Autonomy at Its Core

ROGUE-Fires isn’t just another missile truck—it’s a robotic war machine that can navigate, fire, and resupply itself without human intervention. Its AutoDrive system, developed by Forterra, enables off-road, self-driving operations in nearly any environment. The software, originally developed under the Army’s “Leader-Follower” convoy program, allows one manned vehicle to control multiple unmanned ones, creating a semi-autonomous battlefield convoy.

The Marine Corps further refined this concept in January 2024 when it awarded Oshkosh a contract to integrate Forterra’s advanced self-driving package. The AutoDrive system goes beyond existing “Leader-Follower” tech, giving ROGUE-Fires true off-road autonomy—a crucial feature for the Marine Corps evolving warfighting doctrine, where small units must be able to operate independently in contested environments.

Powering the Future of War

Beyond firepower and autonomy, the new ROGUE-Fires model introduces hybrid-electric propulsion, allowing for:

• Silent running modes for stealth operations
• Improved fuel efficiency for extended missions
• On-board power generation to charge drones, sensors, and other battlefield tech

This aligns with U.S. military efforts to enhance battlefield sustainability and reduce logistical vulnerabilities in distributed expeditionary operations.

Tested and Ready for Action

The first live-fire test of a Naval Strike Missile from the ROGUE-Fires platform took place in June 2020, proving its ability to engage moving naval targets at ranges beyond 750 kilometres. The weapon system was developed as a more mobile and survivable alternative to the legacy High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), which lacks anti-ship capability and is easier to detect.

ROGUE-Fires play a key role in Marine warfighting concepts, where small platoon- or squad-sized units seize terrain for short periods and deny enemy forces access to critical sea lanes. With its ability to move quickly, fire from hidden positions, and relocate autonomously, this next-generation launcher could give U.S. forces a decisive edge in a future conflict.

Why the Army Is Interested

While originally designed for the Marine Corps, the Army is also taking notice. Oshkosh Defense revealed the new ROGUE-Fires model at an Army event, signalling that it could fit well into the Army’s long-range strike and autonomous warfare initiatives.

With both branches looking for multi-role, autonomous strike platforms, ROGUE-Fires could become a cornerstone of future U.S. battlefield operations. Whether it’s knocking out enemy ships, hitting inland targets, or resupplying itself without human intervention, this unmanned missile truck represents a new era of smart, mobile firepower.