The Low-observable LRASM is a development of the JASSM-ER. (US NAVY)

The USAF has declared an early operational capability (EOC) of the Lockheed Martin AGM-158C long range anti-ship missile (LRASM) aboard the B-1B Lancer bomber.

The missile, a maritime development of the 1,000km range AGM-158B joint air-to-surface strike missile extended range (JASSM-ER), has been under development for employment from the B-1B as well as the US Navy’s F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, and should achieve an EOC on the Super Hornet in 2019.

The low-observable turbofan-powered LRASM is designed to detect and target specific ships within groups of vessels through a seeker linked to an onboard visual data library, thus reducing the weapon’s dependence on off-board targeting data.

The US Navy is also developing a canister-launched version of LRASM to be employed from ship-borne Mk-41 vertical launch systems.