BAE Systems on Dec. 12 announced it received a $60 million contract from Lockheed Martin
[LMT] to build additional seekers for the Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM).
The company explained the seeker is made of long-range sensors and targeting technology “that help the stealthy missile find and engage protected maritime targets in challenging electromagnetic environments.”
LRASM aims to detect and destroy near- and mid-term high value surface ship combatants using technology that reduces dependance on intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance platforms, network links, and GPS navigation. It is meant to target ships with an integrated air defense system that is defended by long-range surface-to-air missiles.
The prime contractor for LRASM is Lockheed Martin.
LRASM is delivered by Air Force B-1B and Navy F/A-18 E/F aircraft.
BAE said this LRASM seeker contract continues the program transition from Accelerated Acquisition to Low Rate Production.
The company noted it has delivered 50 systems so far, which have been demonstrated in test events. It did not disclose how many additional seekers are covered under this contract.
BAE said it is also still to make the seeker smaller, more efficient to produce, and more capable.
“Our warfighters need resilient, long-range precision strike capabilities to compete with modern adversaries. We’re proud to partner with Lockheed Martin in delivering this distinct competitive advantage to U.S. warfighters,” Bruce Konigsberg, Radio Frequency Sensors product area director at BAE Systems, said in a statement.