The US Air Force received the first long-range anti-ship missile LRASM (Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile) of Lockheed Martin. This was reported by the press service of the corporation.
A representative of Lockheed Martin did not specify the number of delivered missiles, which currently have the status of initial operational readiness EOC (early operational capability) or IOC (initial operating capability). The US Navy, which oversees the LRASM program, did not respond to a request for information.
As part of the United States Air Force, LRASM cruise missiles will go into service with B-1B Lancer bombers, which can carry up to 24 missiles of this type in the internal weapons bays. The US Navy integrates LRASM missiles into the airborne armament of Boeing F / A-18E / F Super Hornet fighter jets, which can carry up to eight of this type of missile on the under-pylons. The US Navy will start getting LRASM missiles for service in 2019.
LRASM missiles can detect and destroy vital targets in the group of ships using the advanced technologies implemented in its design, which reduce the dependence of the rocket on observation and reconnaissance equipment, data transmission lines and GPS satellite navigation in the conditions of electronic warfare.
LRASM will provide the possibility of delivering long-range attacks on high-priority sea targets. They will play a significant role in the process of conducting combat operations both in the open ocean and in coastal waters due to the possibility of recognizing and delivering tactical strikes at long ranges.
