The US Navy will arm F-35 Lightning II fighters with advanced AGM-158 JASSM missiles with a launch range of more than 370 kilometres

The US Navy wants fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II fighters to be able to launch AGM-158 JASSM (Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile) missiles. The authorities will order research, test development and evaluation from Lockheed Martin.

Here's What We Know

The AGM-158 JASSM is a critical weapon for the fifth-generation fighter. The US Air Force uses the conventional version of the missile and procures the JASSM-ER (Extended Range) configuration, which have a range of more than 370 kilometres and a minimum of 920 kilometres respectively.

At the same time, the US Navy has decided to focus on the standard JASSM missile. It was adopted into service more than 35 years ago. The missile has a length of 4.27 metres and a wingspan of 2.4 mm. The mass is more than 1 tonne.

The high-precision missile with a marshalling engine manufactured by Teledyne is capable of reaching speeds of up to 1000 km/h (M=0.85). The 435kg WDU-42/B penetrating warhead uses 109kg of AFX-757 explosive.

The limiting factor is the size of the JASSM. Because of its large size, fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II fighters will only be able to carry two missiles mounted under the wings. The presence of the JASSM will make the aircraft more effective in air-to-ground operations, but will affect stealth capabilities.

Source: sam.gov