The US Air Force is enhancing the combat capabilities of its F-16 fighter aircraft through the future integration of long-range anti-ship missiles (LRASM). In a recent presolicitation notice, the US Naval Air Systems Command outlined plans to award Lockheed Martin a contract to integrate the AGM-158 C-1 LRASM onto the F-16 Fighting Falcon fleet.
Currently, the LRASM is already in use with the US Navy’s F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and the USAF B-1 Lancer, demonstrating its effectiveness in engaging maritime threats from a distance of up to 200 nautical miles, which equates to approximately 230 miles or 370 kilometers. The missile, which is based on the AGM-158 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile-Extended Range (JASSM-ER) design, is a subsonic projectile equipped with a 1,000-pound blast fragmentation warhead. Enhanced with advanced sensors and semi-autonomous guidance systems, the LRASM is capable of making real-time course adjustments to effectively engage moving maritime targets.
Significantly, this advancement comes as the US military intensifies preparations for potential conflicts in the Pacific region, particularly in light of growing tensions surrounding China’s ambitions, including the possibility of an invasion of Taiwan by 2027, as noted by US Admiral John Aquilino. In response, the Navy is also integrating LRASM onto its P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft and previously showcased the capability to launch four LRASMs simultaneously during tests conducted in April of last year.
In addition to the F-16, the Naval Air Systems Command recently announced plans to integrate the LRASM into its F-15E/EX platform. The stealth anti-ship cruise missiles mounted on the US Marine Corps and Navy’s F-35 fighter jets have also successfully completed initial flight tests, indicating a broader push for long-range strike capabilities across different platforms.
However, military strategists warn against relying solely on long-range capabilities. Major General Joseph Kunkel, the USAF Director for Force Design, Integration, and Wargaming, highlighted the necessity of a combined arms approach. He stated that while long-range strike capabilities are crucial, they cannot alone ensure victory in conflict situations, as they lack the ability to exert constant pressure on adversaries. Kunkel clarified that the military is not transitioning to an exclusively standoff force, emphasizing the need for integrating forward-deployed forces with long-range assets in order to maintain operational tempo and achieve superiority in potential combat scenarios.
