Aviation News – Australia has declared initial operational capability (IOC) for two long-range strike weapons carried by its F/A-18F Super Hornets, expanding the Royal Australian Air Force’s ability to conduct precision strikes against land and maritime targets.
The declaration, announced by the Australian Department of Defence on September 11, 2026, covers the AGM-158B Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile Extended Range (JASSM-ER) and AGM-158C Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM). Both weapons provide Australia with greater stand-off strike capability, allowing Super Hornets to engage targets without operating directly over heavily defended areas.
Australia has introduced the missiles as part of its broader effort to strengthen long-range strike capabilities. The JASSM-ER is designed primarily for attacks against high-value land targets, while the LRASM provides a dedicated long-range capability against ships and other maritime targets. The two systems give the RAAF greater flexibility across different operational environments.
The JASSM-ER has a stated land-attack range of up to 900 kilometres (560 miles) from the launching aircraft, while the LRASM can engage maritime targets at ranges of more than 370 kilometres (230 miles). Their stand-off capability allows F/A-18F crews to launch weapons from significant distances, increasing operational flexibility and reducing exposure to enemy air defences.
The Australian Department of Defence said the declaration represents an important step in strengthening the country’s ability to conduct long-range precision strike operations, with the two missile systems providing complementary capabilities against land and maritime targets.
The achievement of initial operational capability marks an important milestone for Australia’s combat aviation force. Further integration, training and operational development will allow the RAAF to build experience with the weapons and strengthen the F/A-18F Super Hornet’s role within Australia’s wider long-range strike strategy.
Australia’s introduction of JASSM-ER and LRASM significantly expands the reach of its Super Hornet fleet. The new weapons provide the RAAF with more options for precision attacks against both land and sea targets. Their operational development is expected to remain an important element of Australia’s evolving long-range combat capability.
