AGM158

The AGM-158, commonly known as the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM), is a long-range, air-launched cruise missile developed for the United States to strike high-value, well-defended ground targets from a safe stand-off distance. Designed and produced by Lockheed Martin, it is intended to deliver a precision, penetrating warhead against hardened targets with reduced exposure of attacking aircraft to enemy air defenses. The missile is available in multiple configurations and has been exported to allied air forces.

The JASSM features a low-observable airframe and autonomous guidance to enable deep penetration of integrated air defense systems. Its guidance package typically combines an inertial navigation system with satellite updates, terrain-contour matching, and a terminal guidance capability, enabling accurate target localization in all weather conditions. The warhead is a heavy, penetrating unit, and the missile is designed for employment from a variety of aircraft, offering a true stand-off strike capability.

Variants include the original AGM-158A JASSM and the extended-range AGM-158B JASSM-ER, the latter offering a significantly longer range to counter evolving defense architectures. Both variants are designed to be compatible with multiple U.S. and allied platforms and have seen continued production and upgrades to address fielded air defenses and mission requirements.

Operational history notes the JASSM’s deployment in numerous conflicts and its continued use by U.S. forces and allied nations. It remains a core component of modern stand-off strike capability, with ongoing evaluation and modernization to expand range, survivability, and reliability.