Rupert Schulenburg
In response to China’s advances in its maritime capabilities, the United States is working to bolster the anti-ship capabilities of its air fleet. A key focus of this effort is the integration of the Lockheed Martin AGM-158C Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) across a wider variety of platforms.
Designed to engage high-value maritime surface targets at stand-off range, the sub-sonic cruise missile features a 370+ kilometre range and is fitted with a 450-kilogram warhead. The LRASM also includes a data link for in-flight target updates and a low-observable profile to help it penetrate advanced integrated air-defence systems. With the US Navy’s cancellation of the Hypersonic Air-Launched Offensive (HALO) missile this April, the LRASM will continue to serve as the United States’ most advanced air-launched anti-ship missile for the foreseeable future.
Presently, only the US Navy’s Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and the US Air Force’s Rockwell B-1B Lancer carry the LRASM. Work is now at various stages integrating the missile on the Lockheed Martin F-35B/C Lightning II and the Boeing P-8A Poseidon. Efforts are also underway to equip the Boeing F-15E Strike Eagle and F-15EX Eagle II, as well as the Lockheed Martin F-16C/D Fighting Falcon, with the missile. This could potentially be intended to also address export requirements.
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