A United States Air Force B-52H Stratofortress bomber aircraft has been spotted with unknown armament.
The B-52H Stratofortress strategic bomber was over Owens Valley in California with two unknown missiles under its wing.
In shape, they are almost identical to the AGM-181 LRSO — a promising stealthy long-range nuclear cruise missile intended to replace the old AGM-86B ALCM.
The AGM-181 LRSO (Long Range Standoff) is a stealthy, nuclear-armed cruise missile currently being developed by Raytheon to replace the aging AGM-86B ALCM. It is designed to be a key component of the U.S. nuclear triad, integrated with the B-52 bomber and the new B-21 Raider stealth bomber. The missile is expected to enter service around 2030 and will be capable of delivering nuclear effects on strategic targets from a significant stand-off range, overcoming modern air defense systems.
The missile has been developed by Raytheon since 2020 and is undergoing tests on B-52H and B-21 Raider aircraft.
The cost of one is estimated at $14 million.
The photo shows distinctive features: T-shaped tail fins, folding wings, and a wedge-shaped body.
If the assumptions are correct, these are the first real images of the new American nuclear weapon.
Interestingly, the appearance of the photos coincided with Vladimir Putin's statement about tests of the Russian "Burevestnik" cruise missile.
An attempt to maintain parity? The US is again playing catch-up... but only for now, in pictures.
