F-16 Fighting Falcon News

March 19, 2025 (by Lieven Dewitte) - The F-16 Fighting Falcon is now set to gain a powerful new weapon in its arsenal—the AGM-158C LRASM (Long Range Anti-Ship Missile). This capability will significantly enhance the aircraft’s ability to engage naval threats at extended ranges, positioning the F-16 as a more viable platform for maritime strike operations.
According to recent reports, the U.S. Air Force has confirmed plans to integrate the AGM-158C-1 variant of the missile onto select F-16 units. The LRASM, developed by Lockheed Martin, is a stealthy, precision-guided cruise missile designed to locate and destroy enemy ships even in highly contested environments. It builds upon the successful AGM-158 JASSM (Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile) but incorporates enhanced sensors and guidance systems tailored for maritime engagements.

While traditionally employed in air-to-air and air-to-ground roles, the F-16 has seen increasing emphasis on maritime strike capabilities. The LRASM’s integration into the fleet aligns with broader U.S. defense strategies that prioritize countering potential naval threats, particularly in regions like the Indo-Pacific and the Baltic Sea. The missile carries a 450 kg fragmentation-explosive warhead, designed to inflict severe damage on surface vessels.

The aircraft’s existing anti-ship capability is limited, primarily relying on the AGM-84 Harpoon missile. However, the extent to which Air Force F-16 units currently operate the Harpoon remains unclear.

Equipping the F-16 with the AGM-158C brings several advantages:

• Extended Range: The missile is capable of striking targets over 300 nautical miles away, keeping the launching aircraft at a safer distance from enemy defenses.


• Stealth and Survivability: Its low-observable design reduces detection by enemy radar systems.


• Advanced Targeting: Using an onboard multi-mode sensor and artificial intelligence, LRASM can independently locate and strike priority targets even in GPS-jammed environments.

This upgrade is expected to be particularly beneficial for U.S. allies operating the F-16, as it provides a new level of operational flexibility. Countries like Taiwan, Poland, and other NATO partners could potentially benefit from this capability, strengthening their deterrence against maritime threats. When exactly F-16s might start flying operationally with LRASM is unknown however.

While traditionally not viewed as a dedicated maritime strike aircraft, the F-16’s ability to carry the LRASM opens new operational possibilities. It is likely that only select squadrons will receive this upgrade, with a focus on regions where naval threats are of greater concern.

This development also raises questions about further enhancements to the F-16’s maritime strike role, potentially including networking capabilities with naval assets and additional standoff weapon integration.