L3Harris offers long-range precision strike capability to U.S. armed forces with new Red Wolf platform.

During the Rapid Prototype Display event held on July 16, 2025, at the Pentagon Center Courtyard in Arlington, Virginia, American defense manufacturer L3Harris unveiled its new Red Wolf kinetic vehicle for long-range precision strikes. The event showcased fast-tracked, next-generation defense technologies developed to meet the evolving requirements of joint operations across multiple domains. Red Wolf stood out among the displays as a cutting-edge solution aimed at strengthening U.S. force projection through advanced, standoff precision firepower.
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U.S. service members look at unmanned aerial and ground system prototypes during the Rapid Prototype Display event at the Pentagon Center Courtyard, Arlington, Va., July 16, 2025. (Picture source: U.S. DoD)

The L3Harris Red Wolf represents a leap in kinetic precision-strike capabilities, designed for deep-penetration and long-range engagement missions. In military terms, kinetic precision-strike refers to the use of guided physical weapons, such as missiles or projectiles, to hit specific targets with high accuracy. These strikes are guided by advanced systems and are designed to eliminate high-value or time-sensitive threats while minimizing collateral damage. The Red Wolf is being positioned to provide this capability from significant distances, offering the U.S. military a tool to strike deep into hostile territory while keeping launch platforms safely outside enemy defenses.

The Red Wolf is also classified as an Air-Launched Effects (ALE) vehicle. These are small, unmanned systems that can be launched from helicopters, aircraft, or ground vehicles. ALEs are used to extend the range and effectiveness of manned platforms by acting as remote sensors or weapon carriers. They are capable of conducting surveillance, jamming enemy systems, relaying communications, or executing precision strikes, often ahead of friendly forces in contested environments. This allows commanders to gain situational awareness or eliminate threats without directly exposing human crews to danger.

While full technical specifications were not publicly disclosed, L3Harris representatives emphasized the Red Wolf’s modular design and advanced targeting capabilities. The system reportedly includes AI-driven sensor fusion and fire control, allowing it to identify and engage targets autonomously while remaining responsive to mission updates. Its scalable architecture suggests it could be integrated with multiple launch platforms and tailored to suit both tactical and strategic roles.

L3Harris’ Red Wolf is part of a broader family of unmanned systems known as the "wolf pack," designed to be launched from air, ground, or maritime platforms using standard interfaces. These multi-role vehicles have been integrated not only with L3Harris systems but also with third-party aircraft and ground-based launchers, underscoring their flexibility. The company claims its rapid integration technique is quick, cost-effective, and combat-relevant. Notably, Red Wolf is currently the only launched effect known to have been successfully deployed from a U.S. Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter, marking a significant milestone in operational readiness and cross-platform compatibility.

The debut of the Red Wolf highlights L3Harris’s contribution to the Pentagon’s broader modernization strategy, particularly in the field of long-range fires and unmanned combat systems. With potential applications in the Indo-Pacific and European theaters, the platform reflects an urgent need to develop fast, adaptable, and survivable strike solutions in environments where access is heavily contested. Army Recognition will continue to follow developments surrounding the Red Wolf as the U.S. military evaluates its operational potential and prepares for future conflicts where speed, precision, and reach are paramount.