The first production lot of the extended range variant of the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile was delivered to Dyess AFB, Texas, last month, following nine years of testing, states an April 8 release. The stealthy cruise missile can reach targets more than two and half times farther than the JASSM, enabling forces to neutralize targets while minimizing risk. “The initial delivery of the extended range variant of JASSM gives the combatant commander the ability to reach far deeper into contested areas with lethal precision,” said Maj. Gen. Scott Jansson, Air Force program executive officer for weapons. JASSM and JASSM-ER share 70 percent of the same hardware and 90 percent of software. Only the B-1B bomber carries JASSM-ER, but USAF officials are considering equipping the F-15E, F-16, and B-52 to carry it, states the release. (See also JASSM-ER Completes Initial Operational Capability Flight Testing and More Extended-Range JASSMs.)
The U.S. military is maintaining a beefed-up presence in the Middle East, including fighters and air defense assets, following the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities June 22 and subsequent retaliation by the Iranians against Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
