The AGM-158C Long Range Anti-Ship Missile is designed to destroy high-value maritime targets at ranges exceeding 370 kilometers. The AGM-158B Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile-Extended Range can identify and attack land targets from up to 900 kilometers away.
Air Marshal Stephen Chappell, Australia’s chief of air force, said the service had demonstrated its readiness to conduct long-range, survivable maritime and land strikes. He said the missiles would allow Australian aircraft to operate against increasingly advanced air defenses.
“By acquiring a suite of long-range maritime and land strike missiles Air Force will increase the lethality of our air combat aircraft and avoid increasingly sophisticated air defences,” Chappell said. “We are continuing to develop and grow Air Force’s ability to precisely strike targets at long-range.”
“This will allow Air Force, as part of the integrated, focused force, to further enhance deterrence by holding potential adversary forces and infrastructure at risk from a greater distance,” Chappell said. The expansion is part of the long-range strike program identified in Australia’s National Defence Strategy.
The operational declaration followed testing of weapon preparation, loading, targeting and engagements from the F/A-18F. Two LRASMs were fired at the Point Mugu Sea Range in the United States in February 2025, followed by two JASSM-ER launches at the Woomera Test Range in South Australia in November.
Australia also expanded LRASM testing to the P-8A Poseidon during Rim of the Pacific 26. The maritime patrol aircraft successfully launched a missile and struck its target.
Introducing both weapons required coordination between the Royal Australian Air Force, Defence Delivery Group and Joint Capabilities Group. Australian government organizations also worked with U.S. military and industry partners on the program.
Australia said the capability would strengthen its policy of deterrence by denial. It also adds long-range maritime and land attack options to the country’s integrated force.
