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.
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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.
This 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.
