This US$414 million ($523 million) deal represents the largest production contract in the program’s history.

The combined Lot 4/5 contract means Lockheed will continue production of the air-launched variant of LRASM, currently deployed on the US Navy F/A-18E/F and US Air Force B-1B.

LRASM is built to detect and destroy specific targets within groups of ships by employing technologies designed to reduce dependence on intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) platforms, network links and GPS navigation in electronic warfare environments.

The technology’s long-range capability is expected to play a key role in supporting open-ocean operations.

The precision-guided, anti-ship stand-off missile draws from technology embedded in the Joint Air-to-Surface Stand-off Missile – Extended Range (JASSM-ER).

“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,” David Helsel, LRASM director at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, said.

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“We look forward to continuing our important work and growing our capabilities and platforms.”

[Related: Lockheed to support US Army’s combat vehicle program]

Charbel Kadib

News Editor – Defence and Security, Momentum Media

Prior to joining the defence and aerospace team in 2020, Charbel was news editor of The Adviser and Mortgage Business, where he covered developments in the banking and financial services sector for three years. Charbel has a keen interest in geopolitics and international relations, graduating from the University of Notre Dame with a double major in politics and journalism. Charbel has also completed internships with The Australian Department of Communications and the Arts and public relations agency Fifty Acres.