Navy asks Lockheed Martin for artificial intelligence (AI) to double the range of LRASM anti-ship missile

Questions and answers:

• What is the primary feature of the LRASM C-3 missile compared to earlier variants? It has nearly double the range of previous versions, with a range of about 1,000 miles, compared to 200 to 300 miles for the C-1 and 580 miles for the C-2.
• How does artificial intelligence enhance the LRASM C-3's capabilities? AI helps the missile with autonomous mission planning, target discrimination, and attack coordination, adjust flight paths based on real-time data, identify and track moving targets, and adapt to changing conditions like jamming and interference.
• What can launch the LRASM C-3 missile? U.S. Air Force B-1B bombers, Navy F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, and F-35 Lightning II jets, with possible future launches from Navy ships and attack submarines.

PATUXENT RIVER NAS, Md. – U.S. Navy surface warfare experts are asking Lockheed Martin Corp. to move forward with developing the new LRASM C-3 anti-ship missile with double the range of previous versions.

Officials of the Naval Air Systems Command at Patuxent River Naval Air Station, Md., announced a $48.1 million order last month to the Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control segment in Orlando, Fla., for engineering to establish the Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) C-3 variant.

The subsonic LRASM is for attacking high-priority enemy surface warships like aircraft carriers, troop transport ships, and guided-missile cruisers from Navy, U.S. Air Force, and allied aircraft.

LRASM is designed to detect and destroy high-priority targets within groups of ships from extended ranges in electronic warfare jamming environments. It is a precision-guided, standoff anti-ship missile based on the Lockheed Martin Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile-Extended Range (JASSM-ER).

1,000-mile range

The LRASM C-3 variant has a range of nearly 1,000 miles, compared to the 200-to-300-mile C-1 variant, and 580-mile range of the LRASM C-2 variant.

LRASM C-3 also introduces machine learning and advanced artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to enhance autonomous mission planning, target discrimination, and attack coordination, even amid intense electronic warfare (EW) jamming.

The C-3 also can exchange information from military satellites, and has an enhanced imaging infrared and RF seeker for survivability and target identification.

The C-3 also can be launched form the Air Force from B-1B strategic jet bomber, as well as the Navy F/A-18E/F Super Hornet jet fighter-bomber and the F-35 Lightning II attack jet. Navy leaders also envision using the Navy MK 41 shipboard vertical launch system with the LRASM C-3, and are considering options to launch the missile from attack submarines.

Tell me more about applying artificial intelligence to missile guidance ...

• Applying artificial intelligence to missile guidance will enhance precision, adapt to dynamic environments, and improve decision-making in real-time. AI can help missiles navigate autonomously by using real-time data from radar, infrared sensors, and GPS to adjust flight paths. AI also can help missiles visually identify targets from images or video feeds, and not only enhance the missile's ability to recognize and track moving targets, but also to predict and follow moving targets even if they change direction or speed. Using AI, missile guidance systems can make real-time adjustments to their trajectory based on changing conditions like wind, RF interference, and jamming. Missiles also may use AI to other weapons in swarm tactics, and operate effectively against countermeasures.

Helping to extend the LRASM C-3's range are an advanced multi-mode sensor suite; enhanced data exchange and communications; digital anti-jam GPS and navigation; and AI and machine learning capabilities.

The missile's multi-mode sensor suite is expected to blend imaging infrared and RF sensors to help the weapon identify and attack targets. Its communications will have data links for secure real-time communication with satellites, drones, and strike aircraft.

Digital anti-jam GPS and navigation will provide midcourse guidance to target areas far beyond the effective range of traditional systems. AI and machine learning, meanwhile, should help the missile identify targets and plan its routes autonomously. The LRASM C-3 version should enter service next year.

On this order, Lockheed Martin will do the work in Orlando and Ocala, Fla.; and in Troy, Ala., and should be finished in November 2026. For more information contact Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control online at https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/products/long-range-anti-ship-missile.html, or Naval Air Systems Command at www.navair.navy.mil.