Australia deploys U.S. long-range missiles on F/A-18F jets

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has declared Initial Operational Capability for the U.S.-made AGM-158C LRASM and AGM-158B JASSM-ER missiles on its F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter jets. This new capability provides Australia with long-range strike options against both maritime and land targets.

The AGM-158C LRASM is a long-range anti-ship cruise missile capable of engaging high-value maritime targets at ranges exceeding 370 kilometers. The AGM-158B JASSM-ER is an air-to-surface cruise missile designed for land targets, with a stated range of up to 900 kilometers.

These acquisitions were conducted through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales framework, including a package for up to 200 LRASMs and 80 JASSM-ER missiles. The integration of these weapons is intended to deepen combat integration between Australia and the United States while expanding allied stand-off strike capacity in the Indo-Pacific region. The capability follows successful live-fire testing conducted at the Point Mugu Sea Test Range in the United States and the Wumerra Test Range in South Australia.