F-35B performs initial flight test to integrate AGM-158C LRASM

Lockheed Martin and the F-35 Pax River Integrated Test Force (ITF) have completed an initial flight test integrating the Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) onto the F-35B short take-off/vertical landing Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), Lockheed Martin announced on 4 March 2025.

This most recent test follows a flight test with LRASM on an F-35C carrier-variant JSF in September 2024. Lockheed Martin is the manufacturer of the LRASM as well as the F-35.

As part of the F-35’s Block 4 upgrade, AGM-158 weapons (the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile and LRASM) are being integrated for external carriage on the F-35, adding more multi-role mission capabilities to the JSF. The recent flight mark the beginning of the F-35B AGM-158 strike systems flight sciences test programme.

“Integration of the AGM-158 strike systems family delivers increased reach and lethality against heavily protected, strategic targets.” Jon Hill, vice president and general manager for  Air Dominance and Strike Weapons at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, was quoted as saying in a company press release.

Chauncey McIntosh, vice president and general manager of the F-35 programme at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, added, “The integration of these systems further demonstrates how we continue to add the most advanced capabilities to the F-35 to ensure it will remain a dominant force, owning the skies for decades to come.”

Lockheed Martin announced on 3 March 2025 that the global fleet of F-35s has surpassed a million flight hours.