US Marines just added a new long-range missile to their arsenal that will keep their fighter jets out of reach of enemy air defenses during strikes

The weapon’s range is particularly valuable amid a growing need for stand-off capabilities. “The integration of the AGM-158A joint air-to-surface standoff missile into the F/A-18’s arsenal significantly enhances the Hornet’s capabilities, enabling it to strike targets from well beyond the reach of enemy air defenses,” Maj. Bradley Kirby, an aviation ordnance officer with 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, said.

Stand-off weapons, like the AGM-158, are useful for striking the enemy from further distances without exposing aircraft to air defense systems, and in this case, the weapon’s stealth and programming capabilities make them difficult to shoot down.

There’s a reason for the interest in the JASSM for Ukraine as it battles the Russians, though it’s unclear at this time if that capability is on the table. “The JASSM not only surpasses the capabilities of any other weapon currently in the Hornet’s extensive weapons portfolio, but also the Marine Corps at large,” Kirby said.

The AGM-158 is manufactured by Lockheed Martin, and can also be used on F-35B and F-35C aircraft. It has an extended range version, the AGM-158B, and an anti-ship version, the AGM-158C. The Marines are in the process of acquiring both of those variants.