The Extended Range Attack Munition (ERAM) is a new U.S. Air Force air-launched standoff missile developed on an accelerated timeline, reaching live warhead testing within 16 months of contract award. Designed as a more affordable complement to higher-end cruise missiles like JASSM, ERAM emphasizes manufacturability, scalable production, and operational range of roughly 250 nautical miles. Falling into the 500-pound class, the missile uses powered subsonic flight, inertial and GPS-based guidance, and modular avionics integration to enable compatibility across multiple aircraft platforms. Rather than replacing premium long-range strike weapons, ERAM is positioned as a cost-effective standoff option intended to increase inventory depth and support large-volume precision strike operations.