US Navy flight tests LRASM on F-35B

Lockheed Martin and the F-35 Pax River Integrated Test Force (ITF) have completed an initial flight test integrating the AGM-158C Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) weapon system onto the F-35B Lightning II fighter. This most recent test follows a flight test with LRASM on an F-35C in September 2024.

As part of the F-35’s Block 4 upgrade, AGM-158 strike systems (Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile and LRASM) are being integrated for external carriage on the F-35, says the aircraft and missile manufacturer Lockheed Martin. The flight of the 370km-range missile marks the beginning of the F-35B/AGM-158 strike systems flight sciences test program, a critical step toward integrating the weapon and aircraft.

“Integration of the AGM-158 strike systems family delivers increased reach and lethality against heavily protected, strategic targets.” said Jon Hill, vice president and general manager, Air Dominance and Strike Weapons at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control.