The US Navy has awarded Lockheed Martin a foreign military sales contract to integrate long-range anti-ship missiles (LRASM) into the Royal Australian Air Force Super Hornet fighter aircraft.
Valued at $49.3 million, the contract stipulates that the missile be equipped with multi-mode sensors to detect and track high-priority maritime targets such as aircraft carriers, troop transport ships, and guided-missile cruisers.
The LRASM includes a 1,000-pound (453-kilogram) penetrator, a blast fragmentation warhead, and a communications suite to effectively engage target ships.
According to Lockheed, the missile initially flies at a moderate altitude then drops to a low altitude for a sea-skimming approach to its target. It can be guided to hit enemy ships from as far away as 200 nautical miles (370 kilometers).
Work for the contract will be performed in Florida, Maryland, and other locations within the continental US. It is expected to be complete by March 2026.
Additional Features
Developed in collaboration with the US Defense Advanced Research Project Agency, Lockheed’s LRASM has a multi-mode radio frequency sensor, a new weapon data link, an altimeter, and an upgraded power system.
The missile utilizes onboard targeting systems for independent target acquisition, reducing reliance on GPS and other technologies.
The weapon also includes an advanced “counter-countermeasures” capability to evade enemy defense systems.
“LRASM technology will reduce dependence on ISR (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance) platforms, network links, and GPS navigation in aggressive electronic warfare environments,” the company said.
“This advanced guidance operation means the weapon can use gross target cueing data to find and destroy its pre-defined target in denied environments.”
Lockheed further stated that its anti-ship missile provides precision lethality, extended range, and improved survivability “that no other current system provides.” Along with the Super Hornet, the missile can also be integrated into the B-1B Lancer strategic bomber.