The US Marine Corps is moving to equip its AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters with Red Wolf long-range precision strike weapons developed by L3Harris under the Precision Attack Strike Munition (PASM) program. Red Wolf is designed to extend the range of helicopter-launched weapons well beyond existing rocket and missile systems, with an effective range exceeding 200 miles and the ability to engage targets beyond visual line of sight, according to Peter Suciu of The National Interest.

The system has successfully completed numerous test launches from rotary-wing platforms and is intended to give Marine aviators greater flexibility and lethality, particularly in Indo-Pacific operations where long-range strike capability against ships and other high-value targets is increasingly important. Suciu writes:

The United States Marine Corps’ Bell AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters will be equipped with the “Red Wolf” air-launched weapon system developed by L3Harris Technologies. […]

“L3Harris’ Red Wolf systems will fill a gap in modern warfare with long-range precision weapons capabilities,” the company said in a statement. The defense contractor was awarded an $86.2 million contract to deliver an unspecified number of Red Wolf weapons by the end of fiscal year 2027 (FY27). […]

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