New missile prototype aims to revolutionise long-range strike capabilities

US Lockheed Martin Corporation is advancing its missile technology with the development of the AGM-158 XR, a new prototype of its Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile. 

A new prototype of Lockheed Martin’s AGM-158 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile, known as the AGM-158 XR, could be ready for flight tests within one to two years, according to a company official. While the Pentagon has yet to commit to purchasing the AGM-158 XR, Lockheed is investing its own resources into the missile’s early development. Michael Rothstein, Lockheed’s vice president of air weapons and sensors, highlighted that the AGM-158 XR could greatly extend the missile’s range compared to the current JASSM and Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) variants, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Rothstein refrained from disclosing specific range figures, noting that the missile’s extended range is substantial and not merely incremental. The AGM-158 XR is designed to be an advanced successor to the JASSM-D and LRASM-C3, featuring a longer, modified design and enhanced modularity. This increased range allows pilots to stay farther from threats, reducing the need for close engagement and potentially increasing the number of strikes a combat aircraft can perform before needing to refuel and rearm.

The AGM-158 XR's larger and heavier design means it cannot be carried by the F-16, and while other aircraft such as the F-35 or F-15 could deploy it, their operational range may be reduced. However, this limitation is offset by the missile's extended range. Rothstein noted that the AGM-158 XR is still "several years away" from being ready for deployment, with its timeline dependent on the military services' budget priorities.

Rothstein emphasized that the operational advantages of the AGM-158 XR are clear, noting that warfighters are likely to find it beneficial. He also pointed out that leveraging an existing production line and a mature supply chain for this missile is advantageous, and initial feedback on the weapon has been positive.