The AGM-158B JASSM-ER cruise missile was successfully launched by the US B-2 Spirit bomber. This development makes it more challenging for Russian air defence systems like the S-400 while also enabling the B-2’s most advanced long-range combat capability.
The first long-range stealth cruise missile for the U.S. military was among the new weapons added to the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber fleet by Northrop Grumman and the U.S. Air Force, according to a statement. the US defense company Northrop Grumman stated in a statement on August 25 that “this family of aircraft.” The AGM-158B JASSM-ER cruise missile was successfully launched by the B-2 during the test in December 2021.
“The ability to hit any target, anywhere, with this weapon has been considerably improved. The B-2s may unleash stealth weapons with a longer range thanks to the inclusion of the AGM-158B JASSM-ER.” The B-2s are armed with the AGM-158B JASSM-ER cruise missile in addition to contemporary coding hardware and the Radar Tapping System (RATS), which enables US stealth aircraft to drop B61 Mod nuclear bombs.
Since the satellite navigation system (GPS) cannot enable airdrops of bombs and can be shut down in the event of hostilities, RATS is seen as essential to the upgrading of the US nuclear aircraft fleet. The AGM 158B JASSM-ER version was first developed by the US in 2002; the first predicted range was 925 km; however, when it was first tested in 2006, the range was greater than 1,000 km.
Up to 70% of the exterior and up to 95% of the electronics of the AGM-158B JASSM-ER are shared with the AGM-158 JASSM variant. The AGM-158B JASSM-ER is capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear warheads. Initially intended as standard armament for the B-1B Lancer, B-2 Spirit, and B-52 strategic bombers, this missile was later made available to American fighters as well.
The AGM-158B JASSM-ER may approach and engage enemy warships using the “fire and forget” principle and immunity to jamming systems. The Global Positioning System (GPS) and the inertial guidance system enable the missile to locate significant enemy targets while in flight.
The missile will properly identify a target in the last phase using infrared detectors before launching its attack. The ER variant can eliminate objects up to 926 kilometers away. According to US military analyst Joseph Trevithick, the AGM-158B cruise missile is currently equipped with the most cutting-edge technologies available.
The AGM-158B missile can pierce areas with a thick air defense network because to its stealth properties. This missile, which has a very high range, is able to surprise the Russian-made S 400 and is beyond the range at which the S 300 air defense system can intercept it.
As a result, hostile air defense systems will be rendered inactive and unable to stop US bombers before they fire missiles. The AGM-158B JASSM-ER missile is a true nightmare for many adversaries because to its exceptional power and stealthiness.
