A version of this story appeared in the daily Threat Status newsletter from The Washington Times.
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An online aviation enthusiast has captured the first unofficial images of the Air Force’s new Long Range Standoff nuclear cruise missile, designated the AGM-181.
Aviation photographer Ryan Watamura spotted the new missile known as the LRSO strapped beneath the wing of a B-52 bomber as it made a low-level pass over California last week.
The Pentagon has described the LRSO as a long-range, survivable standoff cruise missile “capable of delivering lethal nuclear effects on strategic targets.”
The new missile will replace the current Air Launched Cruise Missile and can be delivered by both B-52s and the forthcoming B-21 bomber.
The Air Force plans to buy 1,087 LRSO missiles and includes $1.1 billion for the missile in its fiscal 2026 budget.
The Energy Department’s National Nuclear Security Administration is conducting a life extension program on the W-88 nuclear warhead that will be outfitted on the LRSO.
“The LRSO weapon system will be capable of penetrating and surviving advanced integrated air defense systems from significant standoff ranges to prosecute strategic targets in support of the Air Force’s global attack capability and strategic deterrence core function,” the Pentagon said in a report on the missile.
Until the bomber photograph, the Air Force had only released an artist’s conception of the new missile in June.
Air Force Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach, the service’s chief of staff, has said the missile is currently within projected cost, schedule and performance criteria.
