The US Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) has revealed its intention to grant a contract to Lockheed Martin for the integration of the AGM-158C Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) with the US Air Force’s F-16C/D Fighting Falcon.
The incorporation of the AGM-158C LRASM will significantly improve the F-16’s capacity to target maritime threats, offering a strategic edge in addressing potential dangers and emerging threats. This enhancement builds on the current integration of AGM-158A/B Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles (JASSM) with the F-16, a feature that is already accessible to export clients, including Poland.
At present, the AGM-158C LRASM is in active service with the B-1B Lancer strategic bomber and the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet multirole fighter. Initiatives are in progress to incorporate the missile into the Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, and the Boeing F-15E/EX Eagle.
NAVAIR plans to initiate sole source negotiations and subsequently issue a Cost-Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) Delivery Order to Lockheed Martin Corporation-Missiles Fire Control (LMMFC) under Basic Ordering Agreement (BOA) N00019-23-G-0002. This Delivery Order is expected to cover the necessary integration and testing support for the AGM-158 C-1 missile on the F-16 aircraft platform. The scope of this requirement encompasses testing for both the AGM-158C-1 Legacy and UAI interfaces.
The AGM-158C LRASM is a stealthy air-launched cruise missile designed for the US Air Force and the United States Navy by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). Building on the foundation of the AGM-158B JASSM-ER, the LRASM aims to introduce advanced autonomous targeting features that surpass those of the US Navy’s existing Harpoon anti-ship missile, which has been operational since 1977.
