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US secures JASSM, LRASM production for Poland, Japan, & more.
In a strategic move that further solidifies its position in the global defense market, Lockheed Martin’s Missiles and Fire Control division, based in Orlando, Florida, has been awarded a significant $24 million contract modification. This modification is an extension to a previously awarded contract, bringing the total cumulative value to an impressive $3.25 billion.
The contract pertains to the procurement of large lots of Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles [JASSM] and Long-Range Anti-Ship Missiles [LRASM], marking a critical step in the U.S. Air Force’s and allied forces’ arsenal of advanced standoff weapons.
The awarded modification, identified as P00002 to the contract FA8682-24-C-B001, is designed to secure the tooling, training, and maintenance necessary for the production of these advanced munitions. These missiles represent cutting-edge technology in their respective categories, offering critical capabilities in long-range strike operations and anti-ship warfare.
The JASSM is a long-range air-launched cruise missile that provides an unparalleled capability for precision strikes against high-value targets at standoff ranges, allowing aircraft to remain outside enemy defenses. In addition to its primary air-to-surface role, JASSM’s highly accurate targeting and stealthy design make it a versatile tool in both tactical and strategic strike operations.
On the other hand, the LRASM serves as a cutting-edge anti-ship weapon designed to engage and neutralize enemy naval forces at extended ranges.
The LRASM is particularly notable for its ability to operate in denied environments, leveraging autonomous targeting technology that enables it to identify and destroy hostile ships even when conventional targeting data is unavailable.
The contract modification will see work carried out primarily in Orlando, Florida, and is scheduled for completion by January 31, 2028. One of the most notable aspects of this deal is the inclusion of Foreign Military Sales [FMS], a U.S. government program designed to facilitate the sale of U.S. defense equipment to allied nations.
The countries benefiting from this procurement include Poland, the Netherlands, Finland, and Japan, marking a significant expansion of these critical missile systems beyond the U.S. and NATO countries.
For these nations, acquiring the JASSM and LRASM represents a significant leap forward in their military capabilities. As global security dynamics evolve, the ability to strike from standoff distances with such precision will enable these countries to significantly enhance their defensive and offensive operations.
The U.S. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center [AFLCMC] at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, is overseeing the contract’s execution, ensuring the continued readiness and integration of these munitions into the arsenals of both the U.S. and its international partners.
As Lockheed Martin continues to expand the production and operational capabilities of JASSM and LRASM, the impact on global defense strategies is clear. These missiles not only augment the U.S. military’s offensive and defensive posture but also enable allied nations to maintain a credible deterrent against adversaries.
With escalating tensions in regions like the Indo-Pacific and Eastern Europe, both the JASSM and LRASM will play pivotal roles in ensuring that U.S. allies can defend their interests while also countering sophisticated threats from near-peer competitors.
The $24 million modification represents just one piece of a larger picture in the development of standoff missile capabilities. As nations continue to modernize their arsenals in the face of evolving military threats, Lockheed Martin’s expertise and its missile systems remain central to shaping the future of air and naval warfare.
The integration of JASSM and LRASM into the inventories of Poland, the Netherlands, Finland, and Japan signals a broader commitment to maintaining a strong, resilient defense against emerging threats on a global scale.
Lockheed Martin’s advanced missile systems, including the JASSM and LRASM, are not just cutting-edge pieces of technology; they represent the future of precision warfare, with the ability to project power at unprecedented distances, while minimizing the risk to personnel and platforms.
As production ramps up and foreign sales continue to expand, these missile systems will be key to shaping the trajectory of modern military engagement in the years to come.
Poland, one of the nations benefiting from the JASSM and LRASM procurement, operates the F-16 Fighting Falcon, a versatile multirole fighter that is fully compatible with these advanced missiles. The F-16 plays a critical role in Poland’s air force, offering the ability to engage high-value targets at standoff distances while maintaining a safe distance from enemy defenses.
With the integration of JASSM, Polish F-16s will be able to conduct precision strikes against a variety of ground targets, enhancing the nation’s defense capabilities.
Similarly, the Netherlands relies on both the F-35 Lightning II and the F-16 Fighting Falcon to deliver these cutting-edge munitions. The F-35, known for its stealth and advanced avionics, is particularly well-suited for launching JASSM and LRASM.
The Netherlands’ transition to the F-35 will provide a significant boost to its ability to conduct long-range strikes with pinpoint accuracy. Meanwhile, the F-16, still an essential part of the Dutch fleet, is also compatible with JASSM and will continue to support the country’s strategic air operations.
Finland’s air force operates the F/A-18 Hornet, a multirole fighter that is integral to the country’s defense strategy. The F/A-18 is capable of carrying both JASSM and LRASM, making it a formidable platform for striking both ground and maritime targets.
Finland’s ongoing modernization program ensures that the F/A-18 will continue to be equipped with the latest technologies, enhancing its operational effectiveness in both defensive and offensive roles.
In Japan, the F-15J Eagle and F-35 Lightning II serve as the backbone of the nation’s air combat capabilities. The F-15J, an upgraded version of the U.S. F-15, is capable of carrying JASSM and LRASM, making it a potent tool for long-range precision strikes.
Meanwhile, the F-35, a next-generation stealth fighter, will be able to launch these advanced missiles with even greater accuracy and effectiveness. With both of these aircraft in their fleet, Japan significantly enhances its ability to project power and defend its interests in a highly dynamic security environment.
Together, these aircraft ensure that the JASSM and LRASM missiles will be fully integrated into the defense strategies of Poland, the Netherlands, Finland, and Japan.
As these nations continue to modernize their air forces, the incorporation of these advanced missile systems enhances their ability to conduct precise, long-range strikes, contributing to greater regional stability and defense readiness.
The Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile [JASSM] is a long-range, precision-guided missile designed to provide air forces with the ability to strike high-value, hardened, and strategic targets from standoff distances, beyond the range of most enemy air defenses.
JASSM is equipped with a powerful, stealthy design that allows it to avoid detection and penetrate even the most sophisticated defense systems. Its extended range and advanced targeting systems ensure that it can effectively target both stationary and moving objects, whether on the ground or at sea.
The missile’s guidance system incorporates a combination of GPS-aided inertial navigation and infrared homing, ensuring accuracy even in environments where GPS signals might be jammed or denied.
This versatile missile can be launched from a variety of aircraft platforms, including the B-2 Spirit, B-1B Lancer, F-15E Strike Eagle, and F-16 Fighting Falcon, among others.
The JASSM has been continuously upgraded over the years, with the latest variant, the JASSM-ER [Extended Range], featuring a longer range and improved performance, making it a key asset in modern military arsenals.
On the other hand, the Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile [LRASM] is a highly advanced, precision-guided weapon designed for long-range strikes against enemy ships. This missile is equipped with cutting-edge sensors, including an onboard infrared seeker, to identify and target hostile vessels even in environments with heavy electronic interference.
LRASM is specifically built for high-end naval warfare, ensuring that it can engage enemy ships at extended ranges while minimizing the need for real-time targeting information. It is capable of autonomously navigating and striking at sea-based targets, even when data links to the launching platform are unavailable or compromised.
The missile features a sleek, low-observable design, making it difficult to detect and intercept enemy defenses. It can be launched from a variety of platforms, including the B-1B Lancer, B-52 Stratofortress, and naval platforms such as the Mk 41 Vertical Launch System [VLS].
Additionally, the F/A-18 Super Hornet and F-35 Lightning II are capable of carrying and launching the LRASM, further expanding its reach and flexibility across multiple branches of the military.
LRASM’s ability to engage maritime targets at long distances, while operating in contested environments, makes it a crucial tool for modern naval operations and anti-ship strategies.