Lockheed Martin secures Navy, Air Force missile contract

The Navy and Air Force have awarded Lockheed Martin a $414 million contract for Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) production.

The agreement represents the largest LRASM production pact in the program’s history. The combined Lot 4/5 contract continues production of the air-launched variant of LRASM presently operational on the Navy F/A-18E/F and Air Force B-1B.

“This contract reflects LRASM’s increasing significance to our customers’ missions. Focused teamwork around a shared vision with our customers and our dedicated supply partners remains key to this program’s success,” said David Helsel, LRASM director at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “We look forward to continuing our important work and growing our capabilities and platforms.”

The technology detects and destroys specific targets within groups of ships by employing advanced technologies reducing dependence on intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platforms, network links, and GPS navigation in electronic warfare environments.

LRASM is a precision-guided, anti-ship standoff missile based on the successful Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile – Extended Range (JASSM-ER), per officials, and designed to meet the needs of Navy and Air Force personnel in contested environments.

The technology is expected to play a significant role in ensuring military access to operate in the open ocean, per Lockheed Martin, due to enhanced ability to discriminate and conduct tactical engagements from extended ranges.