EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Florida — April 18, 2026 : The United States Air Force has completed a series of flight tests of the FAMM-L (AGM-188A “Rusty Dagger”) small cruise missile, including launches from an F-16D fighter aircraft over the Gulf of Mexico. The service also released new images from the testing campaign, providing additional insight into the integration of the missile on tactical aircraft.
The tests were conducted as part of the Extended Range Attack Munition (ERAM) program, managed by the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s Armament Directorate. The effort is focused on fielding a lightweight, low-cost, and mass-producible precision-guided stand-off weapon for use across multiple platforms.
Flight Test Campaign and Validation
According to official information, the recent testing campaign included captive carry evaluations, fit and function checks, and airborne release trials conducted over the Eglin Test and Training Range in Florida. The missile was launched from an F-16D assigned to the 40th Flight Test Squadron.
Engineers validated loading procedures and aircraft compatibility prior to live-release testing. The missile demonstrated controlled separation from the aircraft and completed its flight profile successfully. A live-warhead test conducted earlier on January 21, 2026, met all primary objectives, including full warhead detonation and data collection to support further system maturation.
The U.S. Air Force has not disclosed specific parameters of the most recent F-16D launch, including altitude, speed, or exact timing.
Program Background and Development Timeline
The AGM-188A “Rusty Dagger” is being developed by Zone 5 Technologies under the ERAM program, which began in August 2024. Contracts for the program were awarded in October 2024, with a total program budget of approximately $225 million.
The missile received its official designation, AGM-188A, in 2025. ERAM includes a competing design developed by CoAspire, known as the Rapidly Adaptable Affordable Cruise Missile (RAACM).
The program has progressed from contract award to live-fire demonstration in under 16 months, reflecting an accelerated development approach aimed at rapid fielding.
Technical Characteristics
The AGM-188A is designed as a compact, long-range cruise missile with performance approaching larger systems while maintaining a significantly reduced size and cost.
The missile has a weight of approximately 230 kilograms and carries a 500-pound-class warhead. It is powered by a PBS Aerospace TJ80 turbojet engine, enabling high-subsonic flight.
Its reported range exceeds 900 kilometers. The guidance system combines inertial navigation with GPS, and includes the capability to operate in electronic warfare environments. The system maintains an accuracy of approximately 10 meters circular error probable (CEP), even under degraded GPS conditions. The design also supports autonomous visual navigation options.
The FAMM-L designation refers to the lightweight air-launched variant within the broader Family of Affordable Mass Missiles concept.
Cost and Operational Concept
The AGM-188A is intended to address cost-efficiency challenges in modern warfare. The estimated unit cost is approximately $250,000 in serial production, which is up to ten times lower than comparable long-range precision munitions such as the JASSM-ER.
The lower cost and reduced size enable large-scale production and deployment. The system is designed for use in large salvos, allowing forces to saturate adversary air defense systems while maintaining precision strike capability.
This approach allows operators to reserve higher-cost strategic munitions for more demanding targets while using the AGM-188A for a broader set of missions.
Integration and Platform Compatibility
The Rusty Dagger is designed as an open-architecture weapon with modular features, allowing integration across multiple aircraft types. In addition to the F-16, the system is being developed for compatibility with other Western and legacy platforms.
Ongoing integration efforts include compatibility with aircraft such as the MiG-29, supporting broader operational flexibility.
International Deliveries and Ukraine Allocation
The ERAM program includes provisions for international delivery through foreign military sales channels. Ukraine has been cleared to procure up to 3,350 ERAM units, including spares and associated support equipment, with an estimated total value of $825 million.
Initial deliveries of the first batch of 840 missiles are planned for October 2026. The system is intended to enhance long-range strike capabilities while maintaining cost efficiency and scalability.
Strategic Role
The AGM-188A extends the strike range of tactical aircraft, enabling engagement of distant and defended targets while allowing launch platforms to remain outside of enemy air defense coverage.
The system’s combination of range, cost, and production scalability aligns with current operational requirements for distributed and sustained strike capabilities.
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