US Navy fits long range anti-ship missile on P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft PHOTO

Naval News obtained from the US Navy the first images showing the LRASM (Long Range Anti-Ship Missile) fitted on a P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA).

The two pictures show “fit checks” of the next generation missile with the Poseidon MPA. More specifically, a single LRASM was fitted to an underwing pylon of P-8A aircraft #951, belonging to naval force aircraft test squadron VX-20. These fit checks were performed in July 2020 at NAS Patuxent River, Naval News reports.

“Fit checks” refer to a process of verifying that equipment, weapons or ordnance can be safely and effectively installed or attached to an aircraft in accordance with its technical specifications and operational requirements. This is done to ensure the aircraft is ready for a mission and its crew and equipment are safe.

In Q1 2022, a NAVAIR PAO confirmed to Naval News that flight testing and platform integration of LRASM aboard P-8A had started, adding that “set timelines are not available at this time. Integration is on track with scheduled completion in fiscal year 2024”. Lockheed Martin told us last week that P-8 integration efforts will continue through 2025. The P-8A will be able to carry 4 missiles under its wings. We understand that LRASM is too large to fit in the aircraft’s weapons bay.

Asked about the new capabilities that LRASM will bring to the P-8A Poseidon, the PAO explained: “The integration of the Long Range Anti-Ship Missile on to the P-8A Poseidon adds to the aircraft’s anti-ship warfare capabilities and brings added flexibility to the warfighter.”

Contacted by Naval News last week, Capt Richard Gensley, Precision Strike Weapons program manager said:

"LRASM is continuing with both development and fielding.  LRASM (AGM-158 C-1) has been fielded in the baseline configuration, while LRASM’s next modification is completing operational testing and preparing for an initial production buy.  LRASM (AGM-158 C-3) is under development for fielding in FY26. The Navy has leveraged contracting efforts with USAF JASSM/LRASM program office in Eglin AFB with orders to meet operational needs of both the Navy and USAF," Capt. Richard Gensley, Precision Strike Weapons program manager said.

Naval News previously reported that Lockheed Martin, NAVAIR and the US Air Force would start working on the integration of LRASM on the B-52 following a budget allocation in FY 2019. Asked whether work to integrate LRASM aboard B-52 is ongoing, Capt. Gensley replied that there are no current efforts for LRASM integration on the B-52 being coordinated with PMA-201. “Any future efforts would be best suited for the USAF response. LRASM is currently fielded on the USN F-18 and USAF B-1. Integration of existing weapons on new aircraft provides flexibility to our warfighter as they continue to pace the threat. Future integration on additional DoD platforms is possible as operational requirements dictate” the Precision Strike Weapons program manager added.

A NAVAIR PAO told us last week as well that “the US Navy regularly evaluates platforms and the potential for capability expansion. LRASM brings a critical air-to-surface capability to the fleet and is currently being evaluated for the P-8 platform. The US Navy intends to conduct P-8 LRASM testing in the near future”.

On the industry side, Lockheed Martin is currently executing on the Lot 3 and 4 production contracts for the US Navy and is under contract through Lot 6. Contacted by Naval News, Dominic DeScisciolo, LRASM Business Development Lead at Lockheed Martin said that “LRASM was declared operational on the B1-B in 2018 and the F/A-18E/F in 2019, with integration efforts underway for F-35 and P-8”.

“Lockheed Martin is focused on increasing LRASM manufacturing output in 2023, and will continue to increase production volume as part of a broader facilitization plan for the AGM-158 family of cruise missiles. Lockheed Martin is committed to supporting the government’s multiyear procurement strategy that was recently shared in the FY 2024 Department of Defense budget request”.

Dominic DeScisciolo, LRASM Business Development Lead at Lockheed Martin

Asked if Lockheed Martin is working on future evolution of the missile, DeScisciolo said “at Lockheed Martin we consistently look for ways to improve our systems to meet the warfighter’s evolving needs. Lockheed Martin is currently coordinating to move development forward of LRASM C-3 that will continue to evolve capabilities with updated sensor packages and additional technology enhancements”.

Regarding Australia (which has a potential requirement in excess of 200 LRASM) the Business Development Lead explained “We continue to support our Australian partners through integration efforts that expand the Royal Australian Air Force and Navy’s operational capabilities, as well as the Australian Army for a potential ground launched version of LRASM in support of Land Based Maritime Strike“.

About AGM-158C LRASM anti-ship missile

2019 LRASM test from a Super Hornet. NAVAIR picture.

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/blue waters, owing to its enhanced ability to discriminate and conduct tactical engagements from extended ranges.

The AGM-158C is derived from the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile Extended Range (JASSM ER). An anti-jam GPS guidance system, radio frequency sensor (RFS), and an infrared sensor support guidance and targeting. Once launched, LRASM guides to an initial point and employs onboard sensors to locate, identify, and provide terminal guidance to the target.

BAE Systems’ long-range sensor and targeting technology enables LRASM to detect and engage protected ships in all weather conditions, day or night, without relying on external intelligence and navigation data.

Armed with a 1,000 Lbs (454 kg) penetrating blast fragmentation warhead, LRASM is low observable and likely has a range comparable with JASSM ER (around 500 nautical miles).

LRASM is designed to meet the needs of US Navy and US Air Force Warfighters in contested environments. The air-launched variant provides an early operational capability for the US Navy’s offensive anti-surface warfare Increment I requirement.

LRASM Achieved EOC with the US Navy’s F/A-18E/F Super Hornet in December 2019. The US Navy conducted a live firing of a LRASM during Valiant Shield in September 2020.