F-22Raptor
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The US Air Force (USAF) has awarded a $305.4m contract to Lockheed Martin for continued production of the joint air-to-surface standoff missile (JASSM) and its extended range (ER) version.
Under the Lot 13 contract, Lockheed will be responsible for providing 140 baseline JASSMs for US and international partners, 140 JASSM-ER missiles, data, tooling and test equipment.
With the latest contract, the largest JASSM-ER order to date, the total number of missiles under contract will become more than 2,300, the company stated.
Lockheed Martin missiles and fire control long-range strike systems program director Jason Denney said: "JASSM and JASSM-ER have an important role in the US' and its allied partners' long-term strategic defense plans.
"The missiles delivered under Lot 13 will provide an effective and more affordable capability against anti-access / area denial threats, thus providing a strategic deterrent for US and international warfighters."
The JASSM is a 2,000lb autonomous, long-range, air-to-ground, precision standoff missile, designed to destroy high-value, well-defended, fixed and re-locatable targets in the battlefield.
With an infrared seeker and enhanced digital anti-jam global positioning system, the stealthy missile is capable of cruising autonomously day or night in all weather conditions.
Available in two variants, the JASSM-extended range (ER) features a new engine and greater fuel load capability, and can function in heavily degraded GPS environments.
Currently, the missile is equipped on the USAF's B-1, B-2, B-52, F-16 and F-15E, and on F/A-18A/B and the F-18C/D aircraft internationally.
In September, Lockheed secured a foreign military sales contract from the USAF for the delivery of the JASSM to the Polish Air Force for its F-16 fleet.
As part of this contract, Lockheed will supply hardware and software, documentation, programme management and missiles in support of the Polish Shield initiative.
Lockheed receives $305.4m from USAF to continue JASSM production - Airforce Technology
