BAE Systems received a contract from Lockheed Martin in December 2024 for additional radio-frequency (RF) sensors that provide critical guidance capabilities for the stealthy Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM).
BAE Systems press release
BAE Systems has been delivering RF sensors for the LRASM program since 2018. Under this new production contract, BAE Systems will deliver RF sensors through 2030. The large-lot procurement helps the government to build a capable maritime strike arsenal while reducing acquisition costs.
“BAE Systems is dedicated to its work with Lockheed Martin to provide discriminating capabilities to the warfighter,” said Vanessa Varrati, LRASM sensor program director at BAE Systems. “This contract recognizes our technical and operational expertise that brings this critical deterrence and strike capability to the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force.”
LRASM is a persistent strike capability with range, survivability, and lethality. BAE Systems is uniquely qualified to produce RF sensors for LRASM. Looking to the future, the company is developing modular, scalable systems to meet the needs of future warfighters in a rapidly changing battlefield environment.
“We’re anticipating the need for small, powerful, multi-function hardware that can work on a variety of platforms, and we’re building the core elements today,” said Ed Leonard, director of Small Form Factor Solutions at BAE Systems.
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About AGM-158C LRASM anti-ship missile
LRASM is designed to detect and destroy specific targets within groups of ships by employing advanced technologies that reduce dependence on intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platforms, network links and GPS navigation in electronic warfare environments. LRASM will play a significant role in ensuring military access to operate in open ocean/blue waters, owing to its enhanced ability to discriminate and conduct tactical engagements from extended ranges.
The AGM-158C is derived from the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile Extended Range (JASSM ER). An anti-jam GPS guidance system, radio frequency sensor (RFS), and an infrared sensor support guidance and targeting. Once launched, LRASM guides to an initial point and employs onboard sensors to locate, identify, and provide terminal guidance to the target.
BAE Systems’ long-range sensor and targeting technology enables LRASM to detect and engage protected ships in all weather conditions, day or night, without relying on external intelligence and navigation data.
Armed with a 1,000 Lbs (454 kg) penetrating blast fragmentation warhead, LRASM is low observable and likely has a range comparable with JASSM ER (around 500 nautical miles).
LRASM is designed to meet the needs of U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force Warfighters in contested environments. The air-launched variant provides an early operational capability for the U.S. Navy’s offensive anti-surface warfare Increment I requirement.
LRASM Achieved EOC with the U.S. Navy’s F/A-18E/F Super Hornet in December 2019. The U.S. Navy conducted a live firing of a LRASM during Valiant Shield in September 2020.
