Boeing to Integrate LRASM Missile onto Navy P-8A Poseidon

The U.S. Navy announced a $74 million contract to Boeing for the integration of Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) onto the P-8A aircraft.

This order provides for the design, development, and test of software and ancillary hardware necessary for the integration of the missile.

The plan to integrate LRASM on the P-8A was revealed only last year. In February 2020, a first contract notice by NAVAIR confirmed a project of aeromechanical and software integration of the LRASM missile onto the aircraft.

The Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) is an autonomous, precision-guided anti-ship stand-off missile. It is developed by Lockheed Martin based on JASSM-ER (Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile-Extended Range).

The missile is designed to be launched by Mark 41 Vertical Launch System aboard most of the U.S. Navy vessels and fixed wing aircraft. It can be fired from outside direct counter-fire ranges with maximum possibility of target hit. The missile can fulfil warfighter needs for anti-surface warfare (ASuW) weapon capability.

The LRASM is designed to carry a 450kg penetrating blast fragmentation warhead.

The self-directed sensing, advanced signature control and dynamic response features allow the missile to approach targets, while defeating air defense systems.