‘City-destroying' nuclear missile unveiled by US after years of secret flights – it's 10x deadlier than Hiroshima bomb
AMERICA'S military bosses have shown off a city-destroying nuke after years of secret flights.
The AGM-181A Long-Range Standoff (LRSO) nuclear cruise missile can evade electronic jamming attacks and features stealth capabilities.
Advertisement
4
An artist's rendering of the AGM-181A Long-Range Standoff (LRSO) nuclear cruise missile
Credit: SWNS
4
The nukes will be used by the B-21 Raider - a sixth-gen warfighter
Credit: SWNS
It will unleash thermonuclear warheads on enemies.
Military chiefs released an artist's concept pic to give a glimpse of the AGM-181A Long-Range Standoff (LRSO) nuclear cruise missile.
It is being developed in answer to the rapid growth of China's nuclear arsenal.
America's next-generation nuclear cruise missile has a range exceeding 1,500 miles.
Advertisement
It is also expected to have an adjustable nuclear yield from five to 150 kilotons.
That's a blast ten times more powerful than the bomb dropped on Hiroshima in August 1945.
By comparison, deadly Tomahawks have a range of 1,500 miles, and the intermediate-range cruise missiles are equipped with a 1000-pound conventional warhead.
The nuclear-armed cruise missile will arm America's warfighter B-21 - part of the Air Force strategic bomber fleet - and its famous combat bomber, the B-52.
Advertisement
Most read in The US Sun
The United States has secretly been testing the new nuclear weapon for years.
Once operational in battle, it'll be hard for the enemy to spot - and destroy - thanks to its 'low-observable design' according to defense and security experts at
Watch Trump intel chief Tulsi Gabbard warn of nuclear 'annihilation' & slam 'elites with bomb shelters' in puzzling vid
And the missile's development is rapidly progressing ahead of schedule.
The AGM-181A will replace the 40-year-old AGM-86B Air-Launched Cruise Missile.
Advertisement
Air Force officials have confirmed that the nuke has already undergone a series of successful flight tests, and it is set for frontline service by 2030.
The weapon offers stealth characteristics, jet propulsion, a range exceeding 1,500 miles, and an adjustable nuclear yield from five to 150 kilotons.
4
The LRSO is set to replace the Cold War-era AGM-86B, above
Credit: SWNS
4
A B-21 Raider seen taking off at Edwards Air Force Base, California
Credit: SWNS
Advertisement
But mystery remains, as few facts have been released about the LRSO's capabilities - the program remains highly classified.
What is known - according to defense experts - is that it will be able to blast enemy targets well over 1,500 miles away.
It's also expected to have subsonic missiles - which fly at a speed lesser than that of sound.
Plus it will have the ability to navigate in any tough environment.
Advertisement
TOP SECRET
"This highly secretive nuclear cruise missile is expected to offer a low-observable design meant to limit chances of intercept.
"The LRSO's total range, top speed, and estimated radar return all remain classified," said 1945.
The artist's pic reveals a sleek, stealthy weapon designed to evade modern air defences.
The nuke's high-tech features mean it'll be perfect against electronic warfare, as it can be used when GPS jamming is carried out.
Advertisement
What are the features of the AGM-181A Long-Range Standoff (LRSO)?
An artist's rendering shows a first glimpse of the AGM-181A Long-Range Standoff (LRSO) nuclear cruise missile
What the nuke will offer the U.S. military:
An adjustable nuclear yield between 5–150 kilotons, allowing uses ranging from tactical effect to destroying cities
The ability to navigate in any environment
Subsonic missile - flies at a speed lesser than that of sound
Perfect for electronic warfare as they can be used where GPS jamming is carried out
Will feature the updated W80-4 thermonuclear warhead - a type of nuclear warhead carried on air-launched cruise missiles
Greater range than its predecessors - its stand-off range is expected to be more than (1,500 miles (2,500 km)
It's pegged to replace America's only nuclear-armed cruise missile in operation today, which has served since the start of the Cold War - and are becoming obselete.
Defense experts at
STEALTH MODE
Commenting on the first unclassified image, TWZ said the AGM-181A features an inverted tail.
It also noted, "The missile looks like it has a trapezoidal fuselage cross-section design with a wedge-like nose.
Advertisement
"We see no air inlet in the concept rendering, which could be for security reasons, considering the inlet design is often a closely guarded feature on stealthy flying machines - or it could be located on the top of the missile."
BUILT IN U.S.
The experts warned, though, that the concept pic could well be inaccurate, as "some features will be omitted or even misleading for an initial public release."
They described it as a "critical tool" for American's nuclear triad - hoped to avert a "nuclear holocaust."
It's being built by major American aerospace and defense firm Raytheon, with production slated for 1,020 units, according to 1945.
Advertisement
The nukes will be carried by both the forthcoming £585 million B-21 Raider and upgraded B-52 Stratofortress bombers.
The AGM-181s are expected to replace the AGM-86B missiles by 2030, added TWZ, quoting a
We stand here today closer to the brink of nuclear annihilation than ever before
US intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard
The Pentagon's 2022 acquisition estimates the program will cost $16 billion for 1,020 missiles.
And unit costs are currently projected to be around $14 million.
Advertisement
"With the aging Air-Launched Cruise Missile nearing obsolescence and no other nuclear cruise missile currently in service, the AGM-181A LRSO will fill a crucial gap in US deterrence strategy."
WAR TURMOIL
Its development comes during one of the most violent periods since the end of the Second World War.
US intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard warned on Tuesday, after a trip to
Advertisement
She posted a video of grisly footage from the world's first nuclear attack, and said, "A single nuclear weapon today could kill millions in just minutes.
'As we stand here today closer to the brink of nuclear annihilation than ever before, political elites and warmongers are carelessly fomenting fear and tensions between nuclear powers.'
These include ongoing threats from Iran, China, North Korea and Russia.
U.S. TARGETS
Iran today threatened to target U.S. military bases in the region if conflict breaks out.
Advertisement
Meanwhile, evil despot Vladimir Putin has his brutal ambitions set on invading Nato, warned Bruno Kahl, head of Berlin's Federal Intelligence Service.
And just last October, the U.S. and its allies said they were 'alarmed' by North Korea's nuclear and missile threats.
An opinion piece in
It cited Defense Secretary
Advertisement
Read more on the Irish Sun
The Hill said, 'The Chinese regime, which is mobilizing all of society for war, is now unstable. It is not clear who, if anyone, is in charge. Therefore, the regime could take us by surprise.
'Given all the turmoil in the Chinese military, America and its partners need to focus on more than just Taiwan. In fact, the main island of Taiwan might be the least likely target.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
11 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Mag 5.1 earthquake strikes Iran near capital Tehran… as Israel blitzes country to destroy nuke program
A STRONG earthquake of 5.1 magnitude has struck northern Iran amid a war with Israel. The 1 A strong magnitude 5.1 earthquake hit 22 miles away from Semnan, Iran It is understood to be a shallow quake with just 35 meters of depth. It comes as Israel continues to pound Iran's nuclear facilities and other military targets. The goal, as the Israelis say, is to thwart the Iranian regime's efforts to produce nuclear weapons as well as more ballistic missiles. It also includes long-range weapons that can strike targets far beyond Israel. So far, Israel has struck dozens of military targets as well as several nuclear facilities across Iran. This includes a water reactor at the Araka nuclear plant in Iran. More to follow... For the latest news on this story, keep checking back at The U.S. Sun, your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, sports news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures, and must-see videos . Like us on Facebook at Most read in The US Sun
The Irish Sun
19 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Where is the Ayatollah? Madcap ‘Supreme Leader' holed up in lair – but still an ‘easy target' for Trump's bunker busters
IRAN'S supreme leader has scurried away to an underground bunker in a Tehran suburb amid threats to his life, according to reports. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is believed to be cowering away in the secret lair as Israeli missile attacks rain down nearby. Advertisement 9 Smoke rises following what Iran says was an Israeli attack on Sharan Oil depot in Tehran Credit: Reuters 9 Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei speaks to a group of people and officials Credit: AP 9 A fire blazes in the oil depots of Shahran, northwest of Tehran Credit: AFP 9 B-2 Spirit drops a GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) bomb Credit: USAF 9 Two informed sources inside the country told Iran International the country's ageing dictator is It is among the areas in Iran to have been rocked by explosions over the past few days. Khamenei's family are also with him, the sources added, including his son Mojtaba - who is seen as a potential heir to the supreme leader. The Ayatollah also reportedly sought refuge in this bunker during Iranian strikes in April 2024 and October 2024. Advertisement read more on iran It comes as the conflict between Both countries having fired missile barrages at each other over the past week. Israel claims its attacks against Iran are necessary to stop it crafting a nuclear bomb - which Israeli officials claim is an imminent risk. However, this view is disputed by some in the US intelligence world, and Iran insists its nuclear programme is peaceful. Advertisement Most read in The US Sun Donald Trump withdrew from a nuclear deal with Iran and several other countries during his first term in 2018. A diplomatic source told Iran International that Israel could have taken out Khamenei on the first night of its operations. Iran's murderous hospital blitz foiled by Israel at last minute, president reveals But Israel reportedly chose to give him a final chance to abandon Tehran's uranium enrichment programme. Trump will decide whether the US will get directly involved in a war with Iran within the next two weeks, the White House has said. Advertisement In a Truth Social Post, Trump said: "We know exactly where the so-called 'Supreme Leader' is hiding. "He is an easy target , but is safe there – We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now. "But we don't want missiles shot at civilians, or American soldiers. Our patience is wearing thin." The US is currently the only country to wield 30,000lb "bunker buster" bombs that could take out underground targets beyond the reach of conventional munitions. Advertisement 9 Trump pictured in the Oval Office Credit: The Mega Agency 9 These Trump claims he vetoed an Israeli proposal to assassinate Khamenei, according to US officials. Advertisement But one senior Israeli official has put out a strongly worded threat to the Iranian supreme leader. Defence minister Israel Katz said: "Khamenei openly declares that he wants Israel destroyed – he personally gives the order to fire on hospitals. "He considers the destruction of the state of Israel to be a goal. Such a man can no longer be allowed to exist." Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israel is ready to "remove" the nuclear threat from Iran. Advertisement Israel is itself widely believed to possess nuclear weapons, although the country maintains ambiguity over this. However, other top Israeli figures have taken a more cautious tone on regime change. President Isaac Herzog told Axel Springer Global Reporters: "We don't have a goal on Khamenei, nor do we have a goal on regime change. "But it could be historically a clear side effect of major historical consequences that will do good to the Iranian people." Advertisement Russia, a close international partner of the Iranian regime, has said it would react "very negatively" if Khamenei is killed. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told Sky News that the supreme leader's assassination would "open the Pandora's box". 9 Ayatollah Ali Khamenei speaks in a televised message Credit: Reuters 9 Fire of Israeli attack on Sharan Oil depot is seen following the Israeli strikes on Iran Credit: Reuters Advertisement
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- The Irish Sun
Billionaire ‘supersperm' donor to leave vast fortune to his 106 children… and he's so rich they'll STILL get £160m each
THE billionaire founder of Telegram has made a new will - splitting his £17bn fortune among his 106 kids. Pavel Durov, 40, says he'll treat all his children equally, whether born via sperm donation or 'naturally'. 5 Pavel Durov is a Russian billionaire entrepreneur and the founder of Telegram Credit: East2West 5 The tech tycoon says he'll split his fortune among his 106 children Credit: East2West 5 Allegedly, three of the six kids that Durov fathered 'naturally' Credit: East2West The self-exiled Russian tycoon Durov said: 'I want them to live like normal people, to build their lives on their own, to learn to trust themselves, to be able to create - not to be dependent on a bank account.' Durov is the founder of Telegram messenger, which is known for its focus on privacy and encrypted messaging and boasts over a billion monthly active users worldwide. Dubbed the Mark Zuckerberg or Elon Musk of Russia, the tech tycoon has an estimated net worth of £17 billion. Read more world news He told the magazine he drafted his will because he feels threatened after refusing to share user data with the secret services of Russia and Western countries. Durov said: 'My work involves risks - defending freedoms earns you many enemies, including within powerful states. 'I want to protect my children, but also the company I created, Telegram. 'I want Telegram to always remain true to the values I stand for.' Most read in The US Sun Discussing his alleged 106 kids, he said: 'I decided that my children will not have access to my fortune until a period of 30 years has passed, starting from today… 'I want to make it clear that I make no distinction between my children: there are those who were conceived naturally, and those born from my sperm donations. 'They are all my children and they will all have the same rights. 'I don't want them to tear each other apart after my death.' 5 Durov with girlfriend Yulia Vavilova Credit: East2West 5 Durov is currently under investigation Credit: East2West Telegram founder Pavel Durov faces four more days of questioning after arrest over 'failing to stop terrorism' on app Durov said he has six children, for whom he is the 'official father, with three different partners. 'The others were born from my anonymous donations. 'The [Russian] clinic where I started donating sperm 15 years ago - to help a friend - told me that over 100 babies have been conceived this way in 12 countries.' He added: 'I have a newborn son - I'm missing his first months. 'He doesn't even have a passport because I wasn't at his birth in Dubai.' Durov is also a French citizen and currently lives in France, where he is under investigation. He was Authorities claimed Telegram's lack of moderation, limited cooperation with When Durov refused to hand over data on Ukrainian protesters to Russian security agencies, he was effectively forced to give up his company and move abroad in 2014. He said the French investigation into his affairs was 'completely absurd', adding, "Just because criminals use our messaging service among many others doesn't make those who run it criminals." He said: 'Telegram staff can't see or read user messages. 'That's why we've never revealed a single private message. 'If a court flags a user ID in a criminal case, we review metadata - IP address, phone number. That's it.' Telegram is widely used by both Russia and Ukrainian sides in the war. What is Telegram? TELEGRAM is a cloud-based instant messaging app that was launched in 2013 by Pavel Durov and his brother Nikolai Durov. Telegram became widely known for its strong emphasis on privacy and security, offering end-to-end encrypted messaging, channels for broadcasting to large audiences, and features including self-destructing messages. Telegram's commitment to privacy has made it popular with users around the world, but it has also attracted criticism from governments, which claim that the app is used by criminals and terrorists to communicate without detection.
