Australia Pushes P-8A Poseidon Beyond Maritime Patrol With AGM-158C Long-Range Anti-Ship Strike Capability

A Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon launched an AGM-158C LRASM against a target during RIMPAC 2026, the type’s first Australian use of the weapon and part of coordinated firings with the US Navy. The semi-autonomous missile has a stated range exceeding 370 kilometres and adds a long-range anti-ship option to the aircraft’s maritime-surveillance role. Australia completed its 14-aircraft P-8A fleet in May 2026. The demonstration did not constitute operational clearance on the Poseidon; Australia’s September 11 initial operational capability declaration for LRASM applies to the F/A-18F Super Hornet.