Australian Air Force Conducts Final Long Range Anti-Ship Missile Test on Super Hornet

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has tested the AGM-158C Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) on an F/A-18F Super Hornet, completing the final step toward its Initial Operational Capability.

The recent live-fire test, conducted off the coast of California with support from the United States Navy, validated the missile’s targeting, engagement, and operational integration. The LRASM, now ready for deployment, extends the RAAF’s maritime strike range to over 370 kilometers.

Australia has allocated $895.5 million for the LRASM program as part of a broader $28–35 billion investment over the next decade in long-range strike and targeting capabilities. The test also included support from an Australian E-7A Wedgetail and EA-18G Growler, alongside a U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon.

The LRASM will be deployed across the RAAF’s Super Hornet, P-8A Poseidon, and future F-35 fleets.