The Australian Government has delivered on a commitment to significantly upgrade the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) maritime strike capability following a successful live firing of the AGM-158C Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM).,
Australian MoD press release
The LRASM is now ready for operational use after the operational test, which was conducted by Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) F/A-18F Super Hornet off the coast of California last month, and supported by the United States Navy.
A total of $895.5 million has been allocated for the acquisition of the LRASM, which will increase the RAAF’s maritime strike range to more than 370 kilometres.
The Albanese Government is investing $28–35 billion over the next decade to develop and enhance targeting and long-range strike capabilities across Defence.
The operational testing involved the validation of weapons preparation and loading as well as targeting and successful weapon engagement. The ADF also simulated a long-range maritime strike against a potential adversary. They were supported by an Australian E-7A Wedgetail and EA-18G Growler aircraft alongside a United States Navy P-8A Poseidon.
Two Australian LRASMs in flight. (Commonwealth of Australia) The successful live fire, conducted at Point Mugu Sea Range off the coast of California, in late February, was supported by the United States Navy and Lockheed Martin. The event included validation of weapons preparation and loading, through to targeting and successful weapon engagement. The event also simulated a long range maritime strike against an adversary and was supported by an Australian E-7A Wedgetail and EA-18G Growler aircraft, and a United States Navy P-8A Poseidon.
Two Australian LRASMs in flight. (Commonwealth of Australia)
This activity delivers on the Albanese Government’s National Defence Strategy’s priorities for the Australian Air Force to deliver enhanced maritime, land and air strike capabilities as part of the integrated, focused force.
“Capabilities such as the LRASM will help the Australian Defence Force protect against threats to Australia and our national interests. These weapon systems equip our forces to better protect Australia’s maritime approaches and when necessary, conduct operations in our region. It will be seen across the Super Hornet, Poseidon and F-35 fleets. The successful firing of the LRASM wouldn’t have been possible without the participation of our allies and industry partners, like the United States and Lockheed Martin.”
The Hon Richard Marles MP, Deputy Prime Minister
“The Albanese Government has prioritised funding capabilities like this to respond to our strategic circumstances. The acquisition of LRASM is a significant step up in long-range strike for our Air Force and underscores the Albanese Government’s commitment to equipping the ADF with the capabilities it needs to keep Australians safe.”
The Hon Pat Conroy MP, Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery
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About AGM-158C LRASM anti-ship missile
LRASM “fit checks” aboard a P-8A Poseidon of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron TWO ZERO (VX 20). US Navy 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 U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force Warfighters in contested environments. The air-launched variant provides an early operational capability for the U.S. Navy’s offensive anti-surface warfare Increment I requirement.
LRASM Achieved EOC with the U.S. Navy’s F/A-18E/F Super Hornet in December 2019. The U.S. Navy conducted a live firing of a LRASM during Valiant Shield in September 2020.