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| Does the AGM-158B JASSM-ER integrated B-2 Spirit Bomber Makes the Russian S-400 Powerless |
International Military - Northrop Grumman and the U.S. Air Force are continuing to enhance the combat capabilities of the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber fleet by adding many new weapons, including long-range stealth cruise missiles, Northrop Grumman announced on Aug. 25. occurred in December 2021, where the B-2 successfully launched the AGM-158B JASSM-ER cruise missile.
According to US defense officials, the AGM-158B will significantly increase its ability to hit any target. The B-2 is also equipped with modern encryption equipment and a new Radar Assisted Targeting System, or RATS, to the B-2. RATS gives the B-2 an enhanced ability to use precision-guided munitions by leveraging the location data provided by its radar.
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| the AGM-158B JASSM-ER |
The US began work on the AGM-158B JASSM-ER version in 2002, the initial estimated range was 925km, but when first tested in 2006, the range exceeded 1,000km.
The AGM-158B JASSM-ER shares up to 70% of the display and up to 95% of electronics with the AGM-158 JASSM version. In addition to conventional warheads, these missiles can also carry nuclear warheads.
The AGM-158B JASSM-ER uses the "fire and forget" principle. It is immune to the jamming system to be able to approach and attack enemy warships. The missile works thanks to Global Positioning System (GPS) guidance and an inertial guidance system, to locate important enemy targets during flight.
In the final stage, the missile will use an infrared seeker to accurately detect a specific target before rushing to destroy it. The ER variant is capable of destroying targets at a range of up to 926 km.
According to US military experts, the AGM-158B is currently an integrated cruise missile with the most advanced technology in the world today. The AGM-158B has stealth capabilities, allowing it to penetrate areas with dense air defense networks. The extremely long range allows this missile to escape the interception capabilities of the S-300 air defense system and is enough to take the Russian-made S-400 by surprise.
That means enemy air defense systems will be in a passive state, unable to intercept US bombers before they launch missiles. With its incredible power and stealth, the AGM-158B JASSM-ER missile is truly a nightmare for many opponents.
The JASSM-ER was introduced into service in 2014, but was initially limited to B-1B bombers. Since then, it has also been integrated with other platforms, including the F-15E Strike Eagle, which achieved full operational capability with the new missile in 2018. Integrating the AGM-158B into the B-2 bomber opens the door to additional capabilities in the future.
There are three subvariants and derivatives of the AGM-158B already in development which will further expand the range and operational flexibility of the JASSM-ER. These include the AGM-158B-2, which has a new wing design that will expand its range, as well as other enhancements.