Chinese scientists claim to have modeled the operational behavior of the United States’ AGM-158C Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) in a detailed war game simulation. The simulation, which reportedly reproduces the missile’s advanced stealth and targeting capabilities, is part of efforts by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) to develop countermeasures against U.S. naval threats.
The war game was conducted near the Pratas Islands (Dongsha Islands) in the northeastern South China Sea. In the scenario, a PLA carrier group was stationed near the Chinese mainland, while a U.S. carrier group operated beyond the contentious nine-dash line.
The simulation envisioned a sudden U.S. offensive involving the launch of 10 LRASMs targeting a large Chinese destroyer escorting a PLA aircraft carrier. The missiles demonstrated advanced capabilities, such as flying at high altitudes before descending to just 14 meters above sea level to evade radar detection.
When electronic warfare disrupted their radar and GPS systems, the LRASMs switched to thermal imaging guidance. The missiles then performed a brief climb to confirm their target before diving to strike. This level of operational detail had not previously been replicated in PLA simulations.
The AGM-158C LRASM is considered a “game changer” in naval warfare. Designed to address evolving maritime threats, it boasts stealth capabilities, a range of nearly 1,000 kilometers (approximately 575 miles), and precision targeting. Derived from the AGM-158A Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM), the LRASM can engage specific components of ships, such as aircraft carrier elevators or command centers, to disable their operational capabilities.
The LRASM is compatible with various platforms, including the B-1B Lancer, F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, and potentially the F-35 Lightning II fighter jet.
