The US Air Force is integrating LRASM stealth long-range anti-ship missiles into F-16 fighters.

This is reported by The Defense Post.

This became known due to the announcement by the US Navy Air Systems Command of its intention to enter into an agreement with Lockheed Martin to integrate AGM-158C-1 LRASM into F-16 fighters of the US Air Force.

Today, AGM-158C LRASM is already used on F/A-18 Super Hornet deck-based fighters, B-1B Lancer strategic bombers and P-8 maritime patrol aircraft.

In addition, work is underway to integrate this missile into F-35B fighters, and the possibility of equipping F-15E/EX heavy fighters with them is being discussed.

According to the publication, the US military is actively insisting on equipping its aircraft with long-range weapons in preparation for a potential conflict in the Pacific Ocean. This is especially true after US Admiral John Aquilino said that China is “on track” to invade Taiwan by 2027.

However, it is not enough to rely on long-range assets alone to win conflicts. Because “they cannot put constant pressure on the enemy,” said US Air Force Major General Joseph Kunkel.

“I categorically state that we are not moving to these long-range forces, because they simply do not work by themselves,” Kunkel emphasized.

Instead, he emphasized the need for a combined approach that combines long-range weapons with forward deployment to achieve and maintain operational tempo to gain the upper hand.

LRASM

The AGM-158C LRASM (Long Range Anti-Ship Missile) is a long-range, high-precision anti-ship missile developed by Lockheed Martin.

It is based on the AGM-158 JASSM and is designed to engage naval targets at a range of up to 1,000 kilometers. Development began in 2009, and the first tests took place in 2013.

The missile is equipped with a penetrating high-explosive warhead weighing 454 kg. Due to its shape and special coating, the LRASM has reduced radar visibility.

The guidance system allows it to detect and identify targets independently. It can also exchange data with other missiles, effectively distributing tasks among them.