The AGM-158B JASSM-ER Cruise Missile (extended range) is a new and improved version of the AGM-158 JASSM air-to-ground missile. It was designed as an upgrade to the original JASSM missile with a longer range and increased stealth capabilities.
The B-2 Spirit bomber will now be updated by carrying the advanced JASSM-ER to increase its stealthiness. With this upgrade, it will be able to perform the stealthiest attacks possible.
The sophisticated AGM-158B JASSM-ER cruise missile
The AGM-158B JASSM-ER is a long-range, precision-guided cruise missile developed by Lockheed Martin. It is an upgraded version of the older AGM-158 JASSM with stealth capabilities, a larger warhead, and an extended range that makes it even deadlier.
The JASSM-ER has a range of 575 miles (925 kilometers), and it’s mainly designed to penetrate enemy defenses and destroy high-value targets such as military facilities, radar sites, and command centers.
It is one of the most up-to-date missiles of the US, and the missile’s stealth design makes it difficult for enemy defenses to detect and intercept. Additionally, its precision guidance ensures that it can hit its target even in adverse weather conditions.
So far, Lockheed Martin has delivered up to 2000 JASSM-ERs, and it’s currently in production – and will probably be integrated into new aircraft like the F-35 because it has been successfully deployed on aircraft such as the B-1, B-52- F-15, F-16 and F-18.
The B-2 Spirit gets a revamp with this missile
B-2 Spirit pic.twitter.com/eAqbv2qyvJ
— JETS N MORE (@hourlyjets) August 30, 2022
The B-2 Spirit is a strategic bomber introduced into the United States Air Force inventory in 1997 and is not showing any signs of slowing down. The iconic bomber is being outfitted with a new weapon that will give it even more firepower.
But, in previous years, this missile has been successfully employed on bombers, including the Rockwell B-1 Lancer and B-52. Now that it can also be used in the B-2, the US will significantly increase its striking force with a much-needed long-range stealth capability.
With a stealthy, long-range missile such as the JASSM-ER cruise missile, the B-2 Spirit will be far more capable of penetrating the enemy airspace. So, its ability to remain undetected by enemy radar will be strengthened even when attacking its target because of the JASSM-ER stealth missile.
This will make it an excellent attack platform that no other military will be able to imitate in the short term.
The AGM-158B JASSM-ER vs the AGM-158B JASSM
The AGM-158B JASSM-ER cruise missile is a long-range variant of the AGM-158B JASSM. It has a longer range and larger warhead, making it more effective against targets such as bunkers and armored vehicles. It also has enhanced guidance capabilities, making it more likely to hit its target, including “relocatable” targets. As a result, the JASSM-ER is a more effective weapon than the original JASSM and is an important part of the US Air Force’s arsenal.
AGM-158A JASSM
- Range: 370 kilometers (230 miles)
- Unit cost: $850,000
- Propulsion: Teledyne CAE J402-CA-100 turbojet
- Production: 1998–present
AGM-158B JASSM (ER)
- Range: 925 kilometers (575 miles)
- Unit cost: $1.327 million
- Propulsion: Williams International F107-WR-105 turbofan
- Production: 2006–present
The JASSM-ER cruise missile significantly boosts the B-2 strike capabilities
The JASSM-ER is just the latest example of how the B-2 is being modernized to keep pace with changing threats. The bomber has been continuously upgraded over the years – and it is clear that it will remain an essential part of the U.S. Air Force’s arsenal for years to come.
So, the JASSM-ER and the B-2 will be the perfect mix of stealthiness to attack any enemy position and a great deterrent for Russia or China.
Featured image credit: JASSM-ER Cruise Missile by lockheedmartin.com
