Lockheed Martin Wins $53M Contract to Boost LRASM Missile Production
ORLANDO, Florida – The U.S. Department of War has authorized significant investment in the production capacity of the Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM), awarding Lockheed Martin a combined $213.6 million in contract modifications to bolster manufacturing infrastructure and procure additional missile systems. The moves signal a continued commitment to expanding the U.S. Military’s long-range strike capabilities in response to evolving maritime security challenges.
The most recent award, valued at $53.1 million and dated , will fund tooling and test equipment necessary to increase LRASM output at Lockheed Martin’s facility in Orlando, Florida. This modification, identified as P00028 to contract FA8682-19-C-0008, brings the total face value of the contract to $462.9 million, according to official announcements.
Work under this latest phase is scheduled for completion by . The funding originates from fiscal year 2025 U.S. Navy production funds. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, is overseeing the program.
This investment follows a separate $50.5 million contract modification announced earlier in , supporting the continued procurement of both LRASM and the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM). That award, P00012 to contract FA8682-24-C-B001, increased the cumulative value of the large lot procurement contract to nearly $9.63 billion.
The use of “Large Lot Procurement” programs highlights a strategic shift towards maintaining consistent manufacturing continuity for these critical missile systems. These multi-year arrangements are designed to ensure a steady supply of weapons while optimizing production efficiency.
The LRASM program is a key component of the U.S. Military’s efforts to enhance its ability to engage enemy surface vessels in contested maritime environments. Derived from the JASSM family, the LRASM distinguishes itself through its autonomous targeting capabilities. Unlike traditional anti-ship missiles reliant on external targeting data, LRASM incorporates onboard sensors and autonomous target recognition systems.
This autonomy allows the missile to independently detect, classify, and engage surface vessels even in scenarios where electronic warfare or signal interference disrupts conventional guidance systems. The ability to operate effectively in such contested environments is considered a significant advantage in modern naval warfare.
The missile is designed for deployment from a variety of aircraft platforms utilized by both the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Navy. These platforms include long-range strike aircraft capable of delivering stand-off weapons, enabling attacks on high-value targets without requiring aircraft to penetrate heavily defended airspace.
The increased production capacity is expected to address growing demand for both LRASM and JASSM, reflecting a broader trend towards bolstering U.S. Long-range strike capabilities. JASSM, known for its ability to penetrate air defenses, complements LRASM’s anti-ship capabilities, providing a versatile suite of options for military planners.
Lockheed Martin’s Orlando facility is central to these production efforts. The company has been actively working to enhance manufacturing processes to increase both speed and scale, as evidenced by a separate announcement in regarding the delivery of the 750th High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS). This demonstrates a broader commitment to scaling up production across multiple missile programs.
The recent contract awards underscore the U.S. Military’s prioritization of long-range precision strike capabilities in a geopolitical landscape characterized by increasing naval competition and the proliferation of advanced defense systems. The LRASM, with its autonomous targeting and stand-off capabilities, represents a significant advancement in anti-ship warfare technology.