EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. — The U.S. Air Force has completed a live-warhead test of a new standoff cruise missile on the Eglin Test and Training Range, marking a major milestone in the rapid development of a next-generation strike weapon, according to Team Eglin Public Affairs.
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The recent test of the Extended Range Attack Munition, known as ERAM, took place less than 16 months after the program’s initial contract award.
According to Team Eglin Public Affairs, the event met all primary objectives, including a full warhead detonation, and collected critical data needed to mature the system into an operational capability.
ERAM is a next-generation, air-launched cruise missile designed to provide a precision-guided, long-range strike option against high-value fixed targets. The system is intended to deliver an affordable, mass-produced capability that strengthens U.S. deterrence.
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“Moving from a contract to a live-fire demonstration in under two years proves we can deliver lethal, cost-effective capability at the speed of relevance,” said Brig. Gen. Robert Lyons III, Portfolio Acquisition Executive for Weapons.
“This is how we rebuild our military — by empowering our teams and industry partners to cut through bureaucracy and deliver the tools our warfighters need to prevail.”
The live-fire test was a collaborative effort involving the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s Armament Directorate, the 96th Test Wing, and industry partners.
Engineers and test conductors from Eglin’s Central Control Facility planned the mission and analyzed the results, using the range’s specialized infrastructure to support the complex operation.
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“The future fight demands we create an asymmetric advantage by developing cost-effective, attritable systems like ERAM that give commanders the ability to generate mass,” said Brig. Gen. Mark Massaro, commander of the 96th Test Wing.
“This test is a critical milestone on that path. The expert teams who executed this complex mission provided the high-fidelity data we need to validate this system, ensuring that when it reaches the warfighter, it is a proven and ready tool for the right target. This is the cornerstone of building a more lethal and effective Joint Force.”
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