Lockheed Unveils ‘Extreme Range’ Missile Project
US Air Force
Lockheed Martin is developing a longer-range missile, the AGM-158 XR, to address growing threats in the Indo-Pacific, particularly in response to China’s expanding defence capabilities. This new missile is an enhanced version of Lockheed’s existing AGM-158 platform, including the AGM-158B Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile-Extended Range (JASSM-ER) and AGM-158C Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM).
Announced at the Air & Space Forces Association’s Air, Space & Cyber Conference on Sept. 16, the XR is being developed as an upgraded model of the JASSM-D and LRASM-C3, both already contracted with the U.S. Air Force and Navy. Jon Hill, vice president and general manager of air dominance and strike weapons at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, said the XR leverages existing production processes while extending missile range, a critical capability for future warfare scenarios.
Michael Rothstein, Lockheed’s vice president for strategy and requirements, air weapons, and sensors, described the XR as an initiative to stay ahead of evolving military needs. While specifics on the XR’s range were not disclosed, Rothstein emphasized that the improvement is substantial, driven by a lengthened missile form that holds more fuel. Other engineering modifications are planned, but Lockheed aims to use as much existing technology as possible to streamline production.
The primary advantages of the longer range include increased standoff distance, allowing for more precise targeting and enhanced operational tempo. Pilots can engage targets from further away and return for rearming more quickly, ultimately enabling more sorties and greater firepower across the battlefield. Despite these benefits, the XR’s size and weight will limit compatibility with smaller aircraft like the F-16. However, this trade-off is considered acceptable given the missile’s enhanced range and capabilities.
A prototype test flight is expected within a year or two but fielding the missile will take several more years. Lockheed is positioning itself for faster development by utilizing mature production lines, infrastructure, and components from existing missile programs. According to Rothstein, this approach can significantly reduce both costs and timelines, making the development process more efficient.
Lockheed’s JASSM and LRASM missiles have been in service for over two decades, predating modern digital design methods. The company is now investing in digital engineering to modernize these systems, focusing on increasing modularity and efficiency to meet the evolving needs of warfighters. This effort aligns with the Defence Department’s budget constraints, and Lockheed is actively pursuing ways to provide cost-effective solutions.
Interest in the XR is reportedly strong within the military, which Lockheed views as validation of its investment. The company is also expanding its missile production capacity, a process that began before the war in Ukraine. Lockheed aims to increase production from 550 to 1,100 AGM missiles annually to meet U.S. and foreign demand, and they are making progress toward this goal.
