Air Force orders 4,300 JASSM missiles, preparing for sustained warfare

The U.S. Air Force plans to acquire approximately 4,300 AGM-158 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles (JASSMs). This procurement rebuilds inventories following recent military operations against Iran.

The acquisition plan extends through fiscal year 2031. It aims to expand the total JASSM stockpile to approximately 11,000 units.

The decision addresses high consumption rates of long-range cruise missiles observed in recent conflicts. JASSM technology allows aircraft to strike protected targets from outside enemy air defense ranges.

This multiyear procurement signals stable, long-term demand for the defense industrial base. The strategy shifts focus toward maintaining deep magazines for large-scale, sustained conflicts.