U.S. Navy Tests New 345-Mile-Range Turbojet Missile To Boost Strike Capability

The US Navy has tested a new long-range guided weapon designed to hit targets at sea from much greater distances, marking an effort to improve carrier-based strike reach and reduce risk to aircraft in contested environments.

The system, called the GBU-75 Joint Direct Attack Munition Long Range (JDAM-LR), is an upgraded version of Boeing’s JDAM bomb kit.

It was revealed during the Navy League’s Sea-Air-Space symposium and has been developed as a low-cost alternative to cruise missiles.

The JDAM system originally turns unguided bombs into precision weapons using GPS guidance and tail kits, with a range of about 15 nautical miles.

The new JDAM-LR adds a small turbojet engine made by Kratos and deployable wings from Ferra Engineering, turning it into a powered weapon with a much longer reach.

According to the Navy and Boeing, the weapon is designed to reach over 300 nautical miles, or about 345 miles. In recent tests, it flew around 200 nautical miles and showed accurate targeting performance.

The tests were carried out at the Point Mugu Sea Range in California using an F/A-18E Super Hornet.

On April 1, the weapon flew roughly 200 nautical miles in about 34 minutes and struck close to its target, within a few meters, according to Boeing.

A second test on April 3 checked a different flight path, including altitude changes and manoeuvring during flight.

Both tests confirmed safe separation from the aircraft, controlled powered flight, and stable navigation to the target.

A New Era for Precision Strike: JDAM LR Completes Milestone Test Flights

The U.S. Navy has successfully demonstrated the new JDAM Long Range variant, marking a huge step in bringing affordable, long-range standoff capabilities to the Carrier Air Wing.https://t.co/GvMomaPnSp pic.twitter.com/cNgEgnZGXy

— NAVAIR (@NAVAIRNews) April 20, 2026

Officials said the system also works with existing aircraft that already carry JDAM weapons, which could make integration into service faster.

The Navy said the development responds to the need for greater standoff range as future conflicts may involve advanced air defence systems.

Capt. Sarah Abbott, program manager for Precision Strike Weapons, said naval air forces rely heavily on JDAM systems and need longer range to operate safely in contested areas.

She said the extended range allows pilots to engage targets from safer distances while maintaining a tactical advantage.

Along with strike missions, the JDAM-LR also supports aerial mining operations. Its mining version, called QuickStrike Long Range, uses a Mark 82 bomb fitted with sensors that detect ships.

Traditional mine deployment usually requires aircraft to fly low and slow, which increases risk from enemy defences.

The longer range of JDAM-LR allows mines to be dropped from safer distances.

This development follows earlier US Air Force tests in 2023 of QuickStrike Extended Range mines, where B-52 bombers delivered mines from over 40 miles.

Sea mines are being viewed again as important tools for controlling maritime zones, especially in narrow waterways.

Other related programmes include the Orca unmanned underwater vehicle and Hammerhead anti-submarine mines.

Boeing said the JDAM-LR is also designed to remain relatively low cost compared to other cruise missile systems.

A company spokesperson said the aim is to keep costs lower than many existing long-range weapons while still carrying a 500-pound-class warhead. The weapon itself weighs about 1,000 pounds.

The Navy said the successful tests have now moved the programme into the next phase, which will focus on integrating the system for shipboard use and further qualification work.

Reference: interestingengineering