US Navy to equip P-8A Poseidon aircraft with four AGM-158C-3 LRASM anti-ship missiles

Boeing's P-8A Poseidon anti-submarine warfare aircraft will soon carry AGM-158C-3 long-range anti-ship missiles. The US Navy has begun flight tests.

Here's What We Know

The AGM-158C Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) is a Lockheed Martin missile that began development in 2009. In fiscal year (FY) 2021, the cost per missile was approximately $3 million.

The US Navy wants to integrate the AGM-158C-3 LRASM on Boeing's P-8A Poseidon anti-submarine patrol aircraft. It will be able to carry four missiles, but because of its large size they will be mounted on an external sling rather than in the weapons compartment.

The service launched the suitability test in 2020, although it has only been officially announced now. The US Navy wants to see if the missiles can be mounted on the AGM-158C-3 LRASM to meet operational requirements.

Flight tests began in 2022. The US Navy wants to complete the integration of the missiles in FY2024 and take them into service two years after that. Meanwhile, Lockheed Martin says full integration of the AGM-158C-3 LRASM will last until 2025.

Source: Naval News