Lockheed Martin unveils modular AGM-158 FLEX missile concept

Lockheed Martin has unveiled the AGM-158 FLEX, a modular airframe concept designed to expand the capabilities of the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) and Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) families. The company has invested over $35 million into the development, testing, and prototyping of this architecture.

The FLEX system utilizes a modular design featuring removable nose cones to accommodate different sensor suites and removable boat tails. This allows the missiles to be configured for air, ground, surface, or subsurface launches. The architecture includes two primary sizes: a 168-inch version consistent with the JASSM-ER and a 206-inch version for the JASSM-XR, which will be the first to adopt the FLEX framework to provide increased standoff attack ranges.

By leveraging existing production lines, supply chains, and software infrastructure, Lockheed Martin aims to ensure the system can be produced at scale with high urgency. The modularity is intended to mitigate component obsolescence and allow for rapid capability upgrades. This approach also supports the U.S. military’s Agile Combat Employment (ACE) strategy by providing flexible logistics and launch options across various platforms.