The F-35 fighter jets are being equipped to carry new, cost-effective cruise missiles known as the Common Multi-Mission Truck (CMMT), developed by Lockheed Martin. These missiles are designed to complement existing options like the AGM-158 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) and the Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM). The anticipated cost of a CMMT missile is under $150,000, significantly lower than its more sophisticated counterparts. With a subsonic range of hundreds of miles and a length of less than 2.5 meters, the CMMT features an open architecture design that allows for interchangeable modules, facilitating various warhead and sensor combinations. Designed for internal storage within the F-35, the CMMT maintains the aircraft’s low observable characteristics. This advancement not only enhances the versatility and affordability of U.S. military capabilities but also strategically positions the F-35 as a formidable asset in modern warfare scenarios.
