The event met all primary objectives, including full warhead detonation, and generated critical data to mature a new cost-effective long-range strike capability. The accelerated timeline underscored the War Department’s focus on delivering operational capability to the warfighter at the speed of relevance.
ERAM is a next-generation, air-launched cruise missile designed to provide affordable mass and precision stand-off capability against high-value fixed targets. The system is intended to be rapidly producible in large numbers, addressing a critical operational need while strengthening U.S. deterrence.
“Moving from a contract to a live-fire demonstration in under two years proves we can deliver lethal, cost-effective capability at the speed of relevance,” said Robert Lyons III, portfolio acquisition executive for Weapons. “This is how we rebuild our military — by empowering our teams and industry partners to cut through bureaucracy and deliver the tools our warfighters need to prevail.”
The test was carried out jointly by the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s Armament Directorate, the 96th Test Wing and industry partners, with mission planning and data analysis conducted from Eglin Air Force Base’s Central Control Facility. Engineers leveraged the range’s capabilities to execute and evaluate the complex live-fire event.
“The future fight demands we create an asymmetric advantage by developing cost-effective, attritable systems like ERAM that give commanders the ability to generate mass,” said Mark Massaro, commander of the 96th Test Wing. “This test is a critical milestone on that path. The expert teams who executed this complex mission provided the high-fidelity data we need to validate this system, ensuring that when it reaches the warfighter, it is a proven and ready tool for the right target. This is the cornerstone of building a more lethal and effective Joint Force.”
