RAAF Demonstrates Long-Range Strike Power with Successful LRASM Operational Test
An LRASM is launched from an RAAF F/A-18F during the operational test in February. Photo: ADF.
The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has taken a major step forward in enhancing its maritime strike capabilities with the successful operational test of the AGM-158C Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM).
In late February, two RAAF F/A-18F Super Hornets launched LRASMs over the Point Mugu Sea Range off the coast of California, striking a barge loaded with containers that simulated a hostile ship. The test validated not only the missiles’ performance, but also the RAAF’s preparedness in weapons loading, mission planning, and coordination with supporting platforms.
Supporting the exercise were RAAF E-7A Wedgetail command and control aircraft, EA-18G Growler electronic attack aircraft, and a US Navy P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft. The successful test confirms the RAAF’s readiness to induct the LRASM into operational service and affirms previous US Navy testing from its own Super Hornets.
With an estimated range of over 400 kilometres, the stealthy LRASM provides a decisive stand-off capability. Powered by a small jet engine and guided by GPS, the missile follows a pre-planned flight path before switching to an autonomous terminal phase, using advanced sensors and an internal database to identify and engage hostile ships while avoiding friendly and civilian vessels.
Minister for Defence Richard Marles hailed the milestone, stating that advanced systems like LRASM will play a critical role in safeguarding Australia and its regional interests.
“These weapon systems equip our forces to better protect Australia’s maritime approaches and, when necessary, conduct operations in our region,” he said. “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.”
Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery, Pat Conroy, emphasised that long-range strike capabilities such as LRASM are central to the Albanese Government’s defence priorities.
“The acquisition of LRASM is a significant step-up in long-range strike for our air force and underscores the Government’s commitment to equipping the ADF with the capabilities it needs to keep Australians safe,” Conroy said.
The recent LRASM trial was part of a broader RAAF deployment to the United States spanning December to February. This deployment included participation in advanced exercises such as Red Flag Nellis 25-1 and Bamboo Eagle 25-1 across Nevada and California. RAAF Growlers also conducted test flights in California with the cutting-edge AN/ALQ-249(v)1 Next Generation Jammer pod.
The LRASM is being procured under Project AIR 3023 Phase 1, which seeks to replace the ageing AGM-84 Harpoon missile with a more survivable and capable option for Australia’s Super Hornets, P-8A Poseidons and F-35A Lightning IIs. The programme will also see the introduction of the KONGSBERG Joint Strike Missile for the F-35A.
The RAAF is set to field all three variants of Lockheed Martin’s AGM-158 family: the AGM-158A JASSM, previously carried by the now-retired F/A-18A-B Classic Hornets; the AGM-158B JASSM-ER, selected for the Super Hornets; and now the AGM-158C LRASM, providing the ADF with a comprehensive, long-range strike solution tailored for modern maritime conflict.
