The American B-2 Spirit strategic bomber successfully launched the AGM-158B Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile-Extended Range (JASSM-ER) for the first time, which was previously stated to be capable of "reaching" Siberia. This is with reference to the company Northrop Grumman reports the publication The Drive.
Tests carried out as part of efforts to modernize the aircraft took place in December 2021, but this has only now become known. It is noted that in the future, the aircraft will receive a new guidance system designed for use with the B61-12 nuclear bomb, and an improved cryptographic protection system for communication systems.
Northrop Grumman AGM-158B JASSM-ER is called "the first long-range stealth missile for the B-2". It is noted that until now the aircraft had AGM-158A JASSM missiles with a range of 400 kilometers, while AGM-158B JASSM-ER, thanks to an increased fuel reserve and a new engine, fly at a distance of up to 980 kilometers.
"JASSM-ER further enhances the B-2's ability to hit any target anywhere," Northrop Grumman said in a press release.
In September 2021, the Air Force (Air Force) The United States and the American corporation Lockheed Martin showed on YouTube a video of tests of C-17A Globemaster III and EC-130J Super J aircraft dropping pallets with AGM-158B JASSM-ER cruise stealth missiles.
