U.S. Navy, Lockheed Execute Four-Missile LRASM Flight Test in New Configuration

Lockheed Martin, in collaboration with the U.S. Navy, conducted the 12th Integrated Test Event (ITE-12) for the Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM), involving four missiles simultaneously.

This test was announced by Lockheed Martin on April 3. It was a graduation exercise for the missiles’ latest configuration, the company said.

Specific details regarding the location and timing of the test were not disclosed. The Navy acclaimed the test for achieving all designated mission objectives.

In its fiscal 2025 budget proposal, the Air Force requested an expansion in LRASM procurement, aiming to acquire 549 units by fiscal 2029, with a budget of $1.7 billion allocated. In fiscal 2024, only 27 LRASM units were purchased at a cost of $87.8 million. The unit cost per missile slightly decreased from $3.24 million in fiscal year 2024 to $3.22 million for the upcoming five-year procurement plan.

According to Air Force budget projections, 115 LRASM units are planned for purchase in fiscal 2025, followed by 99 in 2026, 111 in 2027, and 112 each in 2028 and 2029, with no further acquisitions anticipated thereafter. Production of the C-3 variant for the Air Force is scheduled to commence in fiscal 2026.

LRASM is categorized within the AGM-158 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) "family," manufactured at Lockheed Missiles and Fire Control facility in Troy, Alabama. While the Air Force oversees the development of the JASSM variant, the Navy is responsible for the maritime-specific LRASM model. Despite procurement by the Air Force on behalf of both services, they are funded independently.

The Navy certified an initial version of LRASM for use with the F/A-18EF aircraft in 2018, while the Air Force obtained certification for the B-1B bomber in 2019.