DARPA awarded Lockheed Martin a $71 million contract to conduct air- and surface-launched flight tests and other risk reduction activities for the Long Range Anti-Ship Missile, announced the company. Under the terms of this deal, Lockheed Martin will conduct an additional air-launched LRASM flight test from a B-1B bomber in 2013 as well as two surface-launched flight tests of the missile in 2014, according to the company’s March 5 release. Already, under a LRASM phase 2 contract awarded in 2010, the company is set to carry out two air-launched flight tests in 2013, states the release. Under the new contract, the company will also perform electromagnetic compatibility testing of the missile and follow-on captive-carry sensor suite testing. LRASM is based on the company’s JASSM-ER cruise missile. (See also AirSea Battle Weapon)
Navy Adm. Samuel J. Paparo Jr. assumed leadership of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, succeeding Navy Adm. John Aquilino at a change of command ceremony, urging action amid China's “increasing intrusive and expansionist claims,” on May 3