NAVAL AIR STATION PATUXENT RIVER, Md., March 4. Lockheed Martin and the F-35 Pax River Integrated Test Force (ITF) completed an initial flight test integrating the Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) weapon system onto the F-35B Lightning II stealth fighter jet. This most recent test follows a flight test with LRASM on 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, adding more multi-role mission capabilities to the quarterback of the fighting force. The flight marks the beginning of the F-35B AGM-158 strike systems flight sciences test program, a critical step toward bringing this advanced technology to America’s warfighter.
“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.
“The integration of these systems further demonstrates how we continue to add the most advanced capabilities to the F-35 to ensure it will remain a dominant force, owning the skies for decades to come,” said Chauncey McIntosh, Vice President and General Manager of the F-35 program at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics.
With more than 20 years of experience providing highly survivable and accurate cruise missiles, Lockheed Martin is combining F-35 air dominance with the unique capabilities of the JASSM and LRASM weapon systems to enhance combat readiness. More than 1,100 F-35s are currently operational around the globe, and the fleet has surpassed 983,400+ flight hours.
