Aussie Hornet test fires next generation long range ship-killer
April 4, 2025
The Royal Australian Air Force successfully tested Lockheed Martin’s AGM-158C Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) on an F/A-18F Super Hornet, marking the final step towards attaining Initial Operational Capability. The test firing was supported by an RAAF EA-18G Growler and E-7A Wedgetail, as well as a United States Navy P-8A Poseidon.
The operational testing involved the validation of weapons preparation and loading as well as targeting and successful weapon engagement. The ADF also simulated a long-range maritime strike against a potential adversary.
The Hon Pat Conroy MP, Australia’s Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery said that: “The Albanese Government has prioritised funding capabilities like this to respond to our strategic circumstances. The acquisition of LRASM is a significant step up in long-range strike for our Air Force and underscores the Albanese Government’s commitment to equipping the ADF with the capabilities it needs to keep Australians safe.”
Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Richard Marles MP added that: “Capabilities such as the LRASM will help the Australian Defence Force protect against threats to Australia and our national interests. These weapon systems equip our forces to better protect Australia’s maritime approaches and when necessary, conduct operations in our region. It will be seen across the Super Hornet, Poseidon and F-35 fleets. The successful firing of the LRASM wouldn’t have been possible without the participation of our allies and industry partners, like the United States and Lockheed Martin.”
The AGM-158C LRASM was developed from the AGM-158 JASSM (Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile) and has a maritime strike range of more than 370 kilometres. The weapon achieved EOC with the US Navy’s F/A-18E/F Super Hornets in December 2019.
In 2020, the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) selected LRASM for integration on its own fleet of 24 F/A-18F Super Hornets, as part of Project AIR 3023 Phase I. Lockheed Martin received a $49m contract to integrate LRASM Lots 4 and 5 on Australia’s Super Hornets, with all work to be completed by March 2026. Lockheed Martin has not confirmed how many missiles Australia is procuring, but the original 2020 congressional notification approved the sale of up to 200 missiles with potentially more surface launch versions for the RAN.
