Summary and top 5 points: During the recent RIMPAC 24 exercises, the US Navy demonstrated its new AGM-158C long-range anti-ship missile (LRASM) by sinking the decommissioned USS Tarawa.

– The stealth missile, fired from an F/A-18F Super Hornet, is designed to engage high-value maritime targets such as Chinese aircraft carriers.

– Developed by DARPA and based on the AGM-158B JASSM-ER, the LRASM provides precision and stealth, filling a critical gap in surface warfare capabilities.

– The exercise demonstrated the missile’s potential in a conflict in the Indo-Pacific, where naval and air superiority would be crucial.

– The demonstration also strengthened international partnerships and tactical competence of the participating nations.

US Navy sinks decommissioned warship with new stealth missile at RIMPAC 24

Just recently, the US military sacrificed two old warships on the altar of innovation.

The decommissioned ships USS Tarawa and USS Dubuque were sunk by friendly aircraft last month during the Rim of the Pacific 24 (RIMPAC) exercise.

The sinking of the USS Tarawa was caused by a new long-range stealth anti-ship missile developed to attack the Chinese navy.

A new stealth missile for the F/A-18 Super Hornet

A US Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet launched from an aircraft carrier fired the stealth munitions at the decommissioned warship and sank it.

Developed by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the AGM-158C LRASM is based on the AGM-158B Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile – Extended Range (JASSM-ER). It is designed to stealthily and accurately take out enemy surface combatants. As for customers, both the Air Force and Navy are interested in deploying the stealth munitions in an operational manner, as tests have shown. Currently, the AGM-158C LRASM is operational on the F/A-18 Hornet and F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter aircraft, as well as the B-1B Lancer strategic bomber.

“We have continued to invest in the design and development of LRASM’s surface warfare capabilities to ensure soldiers have the 21st century security solutions they need to accomplish their missions and come home safely,” said Lisbeth Vogelpohl, LRASM program director at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, of the munitions.

“This event was a testament to our commitment to delivering reliable products that work every time and ensure those who serve them are always one step ahead,” added Vogelpohl.

According to the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), the Navy plans to use the AGM-158C LRASM as a short-term solution to fill the “gap in offensive air-launched surface warfare capability.” It will be used against high-value naval targets such as the Chinese aircraft carrier fleet or Chinese guided missile cruisers and destroyers.

With the likelihood of a conflict in the Indo-Pacific against China ever in sight, the Navy and Air Force are investing heavily in platforms and munitions that could take on and win this challenge. A conflict in the vast Indo-Pacific would be a conflict between air and naval forces, similar to the battles between the United States and Imperial Japan in World War II. Therefore, munitions such as the AGM-158C LRASM are a top priority as they could provide an advantage in naval combat.

RIMPAC 24 is designed to strengthen American alliances and partnerships in the region. Dozens of countries are participating with dozens of warships, hundreds of aircraft and thousands of soldiers.

“During the SINKEXs, participating units from Australia, Malaysia, the Netherlands, the Republic of Korea, as well as the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army and U.S. Navy gained proficiency in tactics, target acquisition and live fire against surface ships at sea,” the Navy said in a press release.

“Events such as SINKEX live-fire exercises give participating nations the opportunity to test and train weapons and systems in a realistic environment that cannot be replicated in simulators. In addition, these training events enhance partner nations’ abilities to plan, communicate and conduct complex maritime operations such as precision and long-range strikes,” the Navy added.

About the author:

Stavros Atlamazoglou is an experienced defense journalist specializing in Special Operations and a veteran of the Greek Army (military service with the 575th Marine Battalion and Army Headquarters). He holds a BA from Johns Hopkins University and an MA from the Johns Hopkins’ School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). His work has been featured in Business Insider, SandboxxAnd SOFREP.

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