JASSM is a joint USAF-Navy autonomous, precision cruise missile for use against heavily defended or high-value targets at standoff range. It can attack fixed, relocatable, and moderately hardened/buried targets.
The base variant is a stealthy, low-cost airframe equipped with GPS/INS guidance and imaging IR terminal seeker. The JASSM-Extended Range (JASSM-ER) version uses the same baseline body but a new engine and fuel system that increase range to more than 500 miles.
The ER was cleared for combat on the B-1B in 2015, reached full operational capability on the F-15E in 2018, and will equip all fighter/bomber platforms. Full-rate production began in 2018, and production shifted to ER-only in 2016 with early JASSMs not retrofit to ER standards.
The AGM-158B extended range is the current production variant, while the AGM-158B-2 will add electronic arm-dearm, updated controls, and enhanced GPS. The future B-3 version projected for 2026 will add jam-resistant M-Code GPS.
The AGM-158D planned for delivery starting in 2027 will incorporate Weapon Data Link (WDL) to enable post-launch retargeting and precision guidance in GPS-denied environments. It also adds enhanced aerodynamics, including a new chine and improved wings.
The Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) is externally similar to JASSM but optimized against maritime threats. LRASM reached early operational capability on the B-1B in December 2018 and is planned for integration on the F-15E and EX. JASSM and LRASM are USAF’s premiere weapons for use in a high-end threat scenario.
FY26 funds continues multiyear procurement of 389 JASSM-ER and 118 LRASM, and USAF plans to increase purchases to 810 missiles a year, citing threats to Europe and the Pacific. Both the F-35B and C variants are undergoing testing to carry JASSM/LRASM externally as part of Block 4 upgrades.
AGM-158 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) Technical Data
Contractors: Lockheed Martin; Raytheon; Honeywell.
First Flight: April 8, 1999.
Delivered: 2001-present.
IOC: September 2003; December 2014 (ER variant); 2018 (LRASM).
Production: 10,000 JASSM (planned); 400 LRASM (planned).
Active Variants: • AGM-158A JASSM. Base variant. • AGM-158B JASSM-ER. Extended-Range variant (including B-2 and B-3). • AGM-158C LRASM. Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile, based on JASSM. • AGM-158D JASSM-ER. Developmental extreme-range variant of JASSMER (previously XR).
Dimensions: Length 14 ft, diameter approx. 2 ft, wingspan 7.8 ft
Power Plant: Teledyne Technologies J402 turbojet (JASSM); Williams Intl. F107-WR-105 turbofan (JASSM-ER).
Performance: Speed subsonic, range 200+ miles (baseline), 500+ miles (ER), approx. 1,000 miles (XR).
Guidance: GPS/INS and imaging IR terminal seeker.
Warhead: 1,000-lb class penetrator (JASSM); 1,000-lb blast fragmentation (LRASM).
Integration: B-1B, B-2, B-52H, F-15E, and F-16 Block 40-52; planned: F-35A (JASSM).
Planned: F-15EX, F-35A, (JASSM-ER); planned: B-52 (LRASM).