US Navy conducts successful flight test of Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile with latest configuration

News, US April 9, 2024 , by IRIA No Comments

U.S. Navy successfully conducted a flight test with four Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) weapons of the latest configuration in a historic step to achieve superior firepower. The test was conducted in close partnership with LRASM manufacturer Lockheed Martin.

The test was conducted during the 12th Integrated Test Event. U.S. defense firm Lockheed Martin announced last week that “All mission objectives were met, reinforcing high confidence in the weapon’s capabilities and superior firepower.”

The U.S. Navy tested four missiles simultaneously in flight and demonstrated the weapon’s “inherent high-end lethality from mission planning through kill chain integration and its effects on the target,” the Lockheed Martin statement added.

According to the statement, the Integrated Test Event was the next “big step” in LRASM’s evolution. “The successful test was a graduation exercise for the missiles’ latest configuration and lays the foundation for increased capabilities to come.”

LRASM program director at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, Lisbeth Vogelpohl said, “This event was a testament to our commitment to deliver reliable products that work each and every time, ensuring those who serve stay ahead of ready.”

Vogelpohl further added, “We have continued to invest in the design and development of LRASM’s anti-surface warfare capabilities to ensure that warfighters have the 21st-century security solutions they need to complete their missions and come home safely.”

LRASM Long-range anti-surface cruise missile — *^{Long-range anti-surface stealth cruise missile LRASM. (Image Credit: Lockheed Martin)}*

LRASM is part of Lockheed Martin’s AGM-158 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) family of missiles. It delivers long-range, highly survivable, and lethal capability against highly defended surface combatants.

The missile is effective against advanced integrated air defense systems and can target enemy ships with precision in all weather conditions. According to Lockheed Martin, the precision-guided missile can counter a “variety of surface threats at very long range, navigating semi-autonomously to the target, and delivering a precise payload from safe, standoff range.”

The U.S. Navy is upgrading the existing LRASM weapon and incorporating missile hardware and software improvements to enhance target capabilities. The LRASM has been integrated and fielded on F/A-18E/F fighter jet and B-1B heavy bomber aircraft and the U.S. is working on integrating the missile with F-35 and P-8 aircraft.

In February 2024, Lockheed Martin also announced that the company is ramping up the production of high-demand systems, including GMLRS, HIMARS, and LRASM. The company said that considering the U.S. military and allies’ demands for security solutions, Lockheed Martin is prioritizing speed, agility, and adaptability in its production processes.

*^{A Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) integrated on F/A-18E/F Super Hornet 12 August 2005 at NAS Patuxent River, Md. (Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons)}*

U.S. Navy is also building a hypersonic Hypersonic Air-Launched Offensive Anti-Surface Warfare weapon (HALO). The anti-ship strike carrier-based weapon program is aimed at supporting the U.S. Navy’s long-range fire strategy.

Last year in April, the U.S. Navy awarded two initial development contracts to Lockheed Martin and contracts to Raytheon Missiles and Defense. The hypersonic HALO weapon will have a higher speed and longer range, providing superior anti-surface warfare capabilities, and is expected to replace the LRASM.