Australia announces initial operational capability for LRASM, JASSM-ER

The Royal Australian Air Force declared initial operational capability for the AGM-158C Long Range Anti-Ship Missile and AGM-158B JASSM-ER on September 11. LRASM, acquired under an AUD895.5 million programme, is integrated with Australia's F/A-18F Super Hornets and P-8A Poseidons and is intended to attack high-value maritime targets beyond 370 kilometres. JASSM-ER is carried by the F/A-18F for land attack at ranges up to 900 kilometres. The IOC declaration confirms an initial deployable capability, not completion of every planned integration, inventory or training objective.