Lockheed Martin to Give Japan JASSM-ER Missiles

Our Bureau - : May 21, 2025 - : 10:27 am

Japan is set to boost its air power with a set of joint air-to-surface standoff missiles with extended range.

The JASSM-ER missiles, to be supplied by Lockheed Martin under a foreign military sale agreement between the United States and Japan, are capable of striking critical, high-value, heavily defended targets.

Earlier this year the State Department had made a determination approving the possible sale of 16 JASSM-ER missiles and related equipment at an estimated cost of US$39 million.

Japan had asked the U.S. to provide these AGM-158B/B-2 JASSM-ER missiles along with AGM-158 JASSM dummy air training missiles and containers and JASSM anti-jam global positioning system receivers, and munitions support.

AGM-158B-2 upgrades position JASSM to add additional 21st century security capabilities for warfighters through future planned software and hardware upgrades. AGM-158B-2 configuration adds improvements to the system, including a modernized missile control unit, enhanced software (C++) and the latest JASSM GPS anti-jam receiver (JAGR-v5).

It has a range of over 500 nautical miles.

This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a major ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific region.

The missiles will provide stand-off capability via advanced, long-range strike systems for employment on Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) fighter aircraft, including but not limited to the F-15J and F-35A/B.

JASSM remains responsive and relevant to 21st century security through continued development of enhanced capabilities, software upgrades, and integration onto premier platforms like the F-35, a Lockheed Martin statement said.

As one of Lockheed Martin’s first cruise missiles, JASSM has experienced over 20 years of successful partnership with the U.S. Air Force, providing continued significant long-range, precision engagement capabilities for air-to-ground missions. The combat proven and mission effective weapon system is designed to destroy high-value, well-defended, fixed and relocatable targets from significant standoff range, keeping aircrews well out of danger from hostile air defense systems without compromise to lethality or reach.

Lockheed-martin / Japan / Dsei / Jassm-er /