Johnnette JM-1 is a state-of-the-art purpose-built loitering munition (LM) designed for both aerial reconnaissance and precision strike missions.
It was developed by Johnnette Technologies, an unmanned systems manufacturer based in India. Suitable for land and naval forces, the cost-effective system is adept at neutralising lightly armoured vehicles and enemy fortifications.
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The JM-1 enhances the tactical capabilities of the Indian Army with its precision-guided technology.
Currently, a total of 80 JM-1 LMs are in operation in both civil and military applications.
Johnnette JM-1 design and features
Johnnette JM-1 measures 1.5m in length and 0.2m in height. It has a wingspan of 1.4m and weighs 3.5kg.
Constructed from a mix of expanded polypropylene (EPP) and composite materials, the JM-1 is built for durability. It can operate effectively at wind speeds of up to 40km/h.
The drone incorporates anti-jamming and anti-spoofing technologies. It utilises a unique AI-based algorithm to enable precision strikes from altitudes exceeding 18,000ft (5.4km), the maximum test launch altitude.
Johnnette JM-1 operation mechanism
Johnnette JM-1 is launched pneumatically from a ground-based canister. It is mounted onto the launch pipe and fired, allowing it to loiter until a target is identified, at which point it can be guided to the target with its explosive payload.
The system is also capable of hand launches and is fully autonomous with an abort option. Recovery is achieved through a net recovery system.
Performance of Johnnette JM-1 LM
The electrically propelled drone can reach a maximum altitude of 200m when launched at a maximum altitude of 3km. It can cruise at a speed of 110km/h and can reach speeds of up to 140km/h. It can operate up to an altitude of 500m.
The JM-1 has a range of 5km and an endurance of 25 minutes. It is field-tested to operate efficiently in temperatures ranging between -10°C and 50°C.
Ground control station for Johnnette JM-1 LM
The JM-1 is equipped with advanced GPS navigation and onboard computing systems to ensure precise targeting and control. The system is controlled using a military standard (MIL-STD) all-weather laptop integrated with the company’s software- Johnnette GCS (closed source) encrypted.
Payloads of Johnnette JM-1 LM
Johnnette JM-1 payloads include a 500g warhead and a high-definition 1,080px day camera.
Advantages of Johnnette JM-1 LM
The Johnnette JM-1 drone is easy to operate and a highly affordable alternative to missiles. It is capable of precision strikes and can be used in amphibious warfare.
It is of low cost due to its expendable nature of operation to fire and forget. In addition, it is a reusable aerial platform with optional easy backpack transportation.
The abort feature minimises collateral damage and its low operational set-up time makes it easy and quick to deploy.
Orders and deliveries of Johnnette JM-1 LM
The Indian Army granted a significant contract to Johnnette Technologies for the acquisition of 150 advanced JM-1 LM systems in June 2024, aimed at boosting India’s defence self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
The agreement follows an earlier contract awarded to the company, under which the Johnnette JF-2 tactical fixed-wing drone, was supplied to the Indian Army for border surveillance purposes in December 2023.
