Defence Online

Lockheed Martin awarded contract for long range anti-ship missiles

Air February 25, 2021

Lockheed Martin has secured a contract worth $414 million from the US Navy and Air Force for Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) production.

This is the largest LRASM production contract in the history of the program.

The  combined Lot 4/5 contract continues production of the air-launched variant of LRASM, now operational on the US Navy F/A-18E/F and U.S. Air Force B-1B.

“This contract reflects LRASM’s increasing significance to our customers’ missions. Focused teamwork around a shared vision with our customers and our dedicated supply partners remains key to this program’s success,” said David Helsel, LRASM director at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “We look forward to continuing our important work and growing our capabilities and platforms.”

LRASM is designed to detect and destroy specific targets within groups of ships by employing advanced technologies that reduce dependence on intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platforms, network links and GPS navigation in electronic warfare environments. LRASM will play a significant role in ensuring military access to operate in open ocean, owing to its enhanced ability to discriminate and conduct tactical engagements from extended ranges.

LRASM is a precision-guided, anti-ship standoff missile based on the successful Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile – Extended Range (JASSM-ER). It is designed to meet the needs of US Navy and US Air Force warfighters in contested environments. LRASM provides an operational capability for the US Navy’s offensive anti-surface warfare Increment I requirement.

image courtesy of Lockheed Martin

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Post written by: Matt Brown