F-35C Lightning II fifth-generation fighter jet will be able to destroy ships with long-range AGM-158C LRASM missile
The U.S. Navy’s Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) wants to arm the fifth-generation F-35C Lightning II fighter jet with a new missile. If all goes well, the deck aircraft will be able to destroy enemy ships using the AGM-158C LRASM.
The news about the integration of LRASM and JASSM-ER missiles on the fifth-generation F-35 fighter dates back to 2018, but since then we have heard little news about it. In 2021, Lockheed Martin showed an image of a fighter jet carrying two LRAMS missiles. You can see the rendering below.
After that, officials of the American company announced the completion of JASSM-ER and LRASM compliance checks. Lockheed Martin expected the missile integration work to last for a year. For this purpose, the US Congress has allocated funds for fiscal year 2022.
Despite all this, the only AGM-158C LRAMS carrier in service with the U.S. Navy is the F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter. The Pentagon is also working on integrating the missile into P-8A Poseidon anti-submarine patrol aircraft.
LRAMS is a long-range anti-ship missile. It is based on the AGM-158 JASSM Extended Range. Advanced technologies make it possible to use LRAMS in difficult conditions where other missiles cannot be launched.
The munition is equipped with a passive radio frequency homing head developed by BAE Systems. LRAMS is also equipped with an infrared homing head, which was borrowed from JASSM-ER. According to some reports, the launch range can exceed 900 km.
At the same time, NAVAIR wants to get a missile that will surpass LRASM. It is about the development of Hypersonic Air-Launched Offensive Anti-Surface Warfare (HALO). A new hypersonic missile for the F-35C may be available by 2029.
