Overview
- A Naval Air Systems Command notice proposes a sole‑source Cost Plus Fixed Fee negotiation with Lockheed Martin to carry out integration work for the AGM‑158C LRASM on the B‑52 Stratofortress.
- The planned contract covers missile software updates, separation and system testing, test‑asset repair, and failure review boards as part of engineering and safety validation.
- If integration succeeds, each B‑52 could carry LRASM in similar numbers to its current JASSM loadout, which would markedly increase dispersed long‑range maritime strike capacity for U.S. bombers.
- LRASM uses GPS to reach an initial point and then onboard sensors and semi‑autonomous algorithms to find and attack ships, a design meant to reduce reliance on external ISR, datalinks, and GPS in contested electronic‑warfare environments.
- The work is at a planning and engineering stage, not yet fielded or scheduled for deployment, and it ties into the B‑52J modernization effort while raising production, basing, training, and survivability considerations for crews and support units.