Lockheed Martin, in collaboration with the F-35 Pax River Integrated Test Force (ITF), has concluded an initial flight test that incorporated the Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) system onto the F-35B Lightning II aircraft.
This development follows a similar integration flight test of LRASM on an F-35C in September 2024.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Discover B2B Marketing That Performs
Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.
The LRASM is a precision-guided anti-ship missile designed to engage a variety of surface threats from a considerable distance.
It operates semi-autonomously, navigating to its target and delivering a precise payload from a safe, standoff range.
The missile serves as an immediate solution to the offensive anti-surface warfare air-launch capability gap.
As part of the F-35’s Block 4 upgrade, the AGM-158 strike systems, which include the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile and LRASM, are being integrated for external carriage on the F-35.
US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?
Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.
By GlobalDataThis enhancement adds to the multi-role mission capabilities of the aircraft, often referred to as the quarterback of the combat force.
The recent flight test marks the commencement of the F-35B AGM-158 strike systems flight sciences test programme.
Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control Air Dominance and Strike Weapons vice-president and general manager Jon Hill said: “Integration of the AGM-158 strike systems family delivers increased reach and lethality against heavily protected, strategic targets.”
The F-35 Lightning II is equipped with an electro-optical targeting system (EOTS), a cost-effective, high-performance system that offers precision air-to-air and air-to-surface targeting capabilities.
The EOTS features a low-drag design, is integrated into the aircraft’s fuselage with a sapphire window, and connects to the jet’s central computer via a high-speed fibre-optic interface.
Lockheed Martin Aeronautics F-35 program vice president and general manager Chauncey McIntosh said: “The integration of these systems further demonstrates how we continue to add the most advanced capabilities to the F-35 to ensure it will remain a dominant force, owning the skies for decades to come.”
In August of 2024, Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control received a contract modification valued at $130m.
This contract aims to enhance the company’s missile production capabilities, particularly for the JASSM and LRASM systems.
