The U.S. Marine Corps successfully conducted validation and verification testing of the AGM-158A Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) with its F/A-18 Hornet.
The tests took place on August 27-28, 2024, at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in California, with Marines from Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron (MALS) 11 and Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 232 playing a critical role in the operation.
“The integration of the AGM-158A joint air-to-surface standoff missile into the F/A-18’s arsenal significantly enhances the Hornet’s capabilities, enabling it to strike targets from well beyond the reach of enemy air defenses,” said Maj. Bradley Kirby, aviation ordnance officer with the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.
The AGM-158A JASSM, a stealthy, precision-guided cruise missile, has a range of 230 miles, allowing it to strike high-value ground targets from a safe distance. First used in combat in 2018 by the U.S. Air Force, the JASSM was employed to destroy a Syrian chemical weapons facility, showcasing its effectiveness in real-world operations.
As part of the testing, Marines with MALS-11 and VMFA-232 loaded an AGM-158A onto an F/A-18 to evaluate the missile’s loading procedures and ensure compatibility with the aircraft’s hardware and software systems. The process, led by experienced ordnance technicians and overseen by quality assurance safety observers (QASO), was meticulously executed to ensure the smooth integration of the missile into the Marine Corps’ arsenal.
“We wanted to have as many munitions Marines participate as possible,” said Staff Sgt. Holly Espinoza, munitions work center supervisor with MALS-11. “It was an excellent opportunity not only to learn about the JASSM, but also how ordnance items are loaded onto the aircraft.”
Sgt. Kaleb Bents, QASO with MALS-11, supervised the transportation and handling of the live JASSM missile, while Staff Sgt. Elijah Gilbert of VMFA-232 led the missile loading and post-loading verification procedures. Using a live missile, as opposed to a training round, made this operation particularly noteworthy, given the absence of JASSM training variants. This added an extra level of attention to detail during the validation process.
The Future of Marine Corps Strike Capabilities
With the successful completion of the JASSM validation and verification, the missile is now on its way to becoming a critical asset in the Marine Corps’ inventory. As the Marine Corps integrates fifth-generation fighter platforms like the F-35, the addition of long-range precision-strike capabilities such as the AGM-158B extended range missile and the AGM-158C long-range anti-ship missile will further bolster the Corps’ ability to operate in contested environments.
“The JASSM not only surpasses the capabilities of any other weapon currently in the Hornet’s extensive weapons portfolio, but also the Marine Corps at large,” Maj. Kirby added. “This added capability will greatly increase 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing’s ability to support the joint force and enable greater freedom of maneuver across all operational domains.”