The Lockheed Martin AGM-158 JASSM air-to-surface long-range missile is expected to be given the green light to enter low-rate initial production (LRIP) for the US Air Force following the completion of development testing. The US Navy, meanwhile, has rejoined the programme and will begin integrating the weapon with the Boeing F/A-18E/F in 2003.
JASSM completed a sixth test on 20 November, clearing the way for a Defense Acquisition Board review and decision on LRIP. The USAF had requested 76 missiles in the next fiscal year (FY), but a proposed congressional amendment adding $500 million in additional precision-guided weapon funding has increased this to 95.
A second LRIP purchase of 105 missiles is planned for FY03, followed the year after by full-rate production.
The USAF has increased its planned buy from 2,400 missiles to 4,000 and this could be further increased if it chooses to develop a 1,120km (600nm) range JASSM-ER to fulfil the Extended Range Cruise Missile requirement. The USN is looking to acquire another 700 missiles, having decided to rejoin the programme.
JASSM will be integrated initially with the Boeing B-52H followed by the Northrop Grumman B-2 and Lockheed Martin F-16C/D and later the Rockwell B-1B. Lockheed Martin has overcome an earlier fuzing failure, with modifications which adopt a "more robust approach", says Larry Lawson, Lockheed Martin vice president strike weapons.
Source: Flight International