Albany Engineered Composites Secures Multi-Year Extension on JASSM and LRASM Programs with Lockheed Martin

Albany Engineered Composites (AEC), a division of Albany International Corp., has announced a multi-year extension of its longstanding partnership with Lockheed Martin to support the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) and Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) programs. The agreement, which now runs through 2029, reinforces AEC’s role as a key supplier of advanced composite components for two of the U.S. military’s most critical long-range precision strike systems.

Composite Innovation at the Heart of Strategic Strike Systems

AEC’s contributions center on high-performance composite structures that enable weight reduction, durability, and stealth, attributes essential to the survivability and effectiveness of both JASSM and LRASM platforms. These missiles are designed to penetrate sophisticated air defenses and deliver precision strikes from standoff distances, making material performance a decisive factor in mission success.

The JASSM, deployed across multiple U.S. Air Force platforms including the B-2, B-52, and F-35, has become a cornerstone of the Pentagon’s deep-strike capability. Meanwhile, LRASM, developed to counter maritime threats, is integrated into both Air Force and Navy assets, including the F/A-18 and B-1B. Both systems rely on composite airframes to maintain low observability and high aerodynamic efficiency.

Strategic Relevance for Aerospace Manufacturers

For aerospace suppliers and defense contractors, AEC’s contract extension signals continued demand for advanced materials that meet the evolving requirements of next-generation munitions. As global tensions rise and long-range strike capabilities become more central to deterrence strategies, the need for reliable, scalable composite manufacturing is only growing.

AEC’s proprietary 3D weaving technology and automated production processes allow for consistent quality and performance across high-volume orders. This positions the company as a critical enabler of Lockheed Martin’s missile programs, which have seen increased production rates in recent years due to heightened geopolitical demand.

As the U.S. Department of Defense continues to prioritize precision strike capabilities, partnerships like the one between Albany Engineered Composites and Lockheed Martin will remain vital. The extension not only affirms AEC’s technical excellence but also underscores the strategic importance of composite innovation in modern warfare.