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Roketsan’s SOM-J cruise missile is on target to enter service with the Turkish air force’s future Lockheed Martin F-35As – and potentially those of other operators too – from the middle of the next decade, thanks to a strengthened relationship between the companies.
With an initial two-year assessment phase successfully completed, Lockheed and Roketsan officials used the Farnborough air show to sign a new agreement, to both finalise SOM-J’s development and integration with the stealthy fighter, and support its promotion to other customers.
Under the pact, the partners will “co-develop and co-produce the SOM-J for F-35 internal bay applications, as well as for various fighter aircraft with smart weapon external carriage capabilities”. With a range of over 100nm (185km), the land-attack and maritime strike weapon carries a 159kg (350lb) warhead.
“Together, we’re going to deliver a great weapon; not only for the Turkish air force, but for other F-35 customers,” says Rick Edwards, executive vice-president of Lockheed Martin Missiles & Fire Control.
Frank St John, the company’s vice-president of tactical missile/combat maneuver systems, adds that SOM-J will be available during the F-35’s Block 4 software package – scheduled around 2023-2024. Qualification trials of the combination are expected to begin in 2018.
“We think this weapon fits in a very good performance and cost position,” St John adds.
Source: Flight Daily News