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Asia Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Asia Times
New US nuke missile drops first-strike gauntlet on China
The US Air Force has revealed the first image of its next-generation nuclear cruise missile, signaling a significant step in modernizing the aging air-based leg of America's nuclear triad. This month, Air & Space Forces Magazine reported that the Air Force has publicly released the first conceptual image of the AGM-181 Long-Range Stand-Off (LRSO) missile, a stealthy nuclear cruise missile under development by Raytheon via the US Department of Defense's (DOD) Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS). Designed to succeed the AGM-86B Air-Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM), the LRSO will serve as the B-52J's primary nuclear strike asset by 2030. The Air Force carefully curated the image to obscure key stealth features, depicting an air-breathing missile with anhedral wings, a ventral stabilizer, and possibly a top-side exhaust, resembling the AGM-158 JASSM. The absence of a visible air intake suggests strategic concealment to preserve low observability. Awarded an initial US$2 billion engineering and manufacturing development contract in 2021, the program is slated for low-rate production starting in February 2027. Budget documents indicate a significant increase in funding from $295.5 million in FY2026 to $1.22 billion in FY2027, with a planned purchase of 1,087 units at approximately $14 million each. Armed with the W80-4 warhead and capable of subsonic speeds, the LRSO passed its critical design review in 2023. General Thomas Bussiere, commander of Global Strike Command, affirmed the program's trajectory and noted its operational relevance, even after the B-52's retirement, hinting at future standoff-capable platforms. Underscoring the urgency of developing the LRSO, Patty Jane-Geller notes in a January 2021 Heritage Foundation article that the AGM-86B ALCM entered service in 1982 with an intended lifespan of 10 years but has undergone life extension programs to last until 2030. Jane-Geller explains that advancements in Russian and Chinese air defenses degrade the AGM-86B's ability to penetrate defended airspace and that life extension programs cannot keep pace with the increasing numbers of defects found in the missiles over time. Dennis Evans and Jonathan Schwalbe note in a 2017 report for the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) that the small number of nuclear-capable US strategic bombers in operation may enable a limited nuclear strike against a lesser adversary but could prove inadequate in a conflict with a nuclear-armed great power. In line with this, Keith Payne and Mark Schneider explain in an article published this month for the National Institute of Public Policy that, with the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) set to expire in February 2026, the US could increase its nuclear-armed ALCMs from 528 to between 716 and 784 bomber-delivered warheads. Payne and Schneider argue that expanding the ALCM fleet won't be feasible until the LRSO becomes operational in the 2030s. By that point, they say the US may only have a limited number of nuclear-capable B-21 bombers, each expected to carry around eight nuclear bombs. They also note that due to the limited number of B-2s and the recent entry into low-rate production of the B-21, the B-52 will continue to be the primary component of the US air-based nuclear arsenal. However, they point out that the B-52's non-stealth configuration makes it dependent on ALCMs for survivability and that the legacy AGM-86B was not designed to penetrate sophisticated air defense systems in the 2020s or beyond. However, cost concerns may hinder the US's attempts to modernize its air-based nuclear arsenal. A March 2025 US Congressional Research Service (CRS) report notes that the US Air Force may need up to 200 B-21s, with the aging US bomber fleet providing a rationale for increased purchases from an initial 100 planned units. Despite that, the report notes that US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has reportedly asked the military services to propose an 8% reduction in their planned FY2026 budgets, with nuclear modernization exempt from those budget cuts. Additionally, the report states that placing US strategic bombers on constant alert may increase demands on costs and manpower, potentially biting into an already constrained budget. Critically, the report highlights the need for US airbase hardening in the Pacific, noting that hardening with reinforced shelters and passive defenses, such as fleet dispersion, camouflage, and concealment, is necessary to enhance protection against a surprise missile attack. Reports from Stimson and the Hudson Institute have highlighted the vulnerability of US airbases and aircraft on the ground, with US airbases in Japan, the Philippines, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands being within range of Chinese ballistic and cruise missiles, with some estimates saying as few as 10 missiles could crater runways, preventing US aircraft from taking off. That vulnerability is also compounded by a lack of US airbase hardening, with the lack of hardened aircraft shelters (HAS) in most locations, which means that most US aircraft losses in a US-China conflict over Taiwan would happen on the ground. Furthermore, the US's deficient missile defenses on key installations, such as Guam, could prove to be a vulnerability. Robert Peters notes in a January 2024 Heritage Foundation report that Guam needs a full-spectrum, permanent, 360-degree missile defense capability, but US DOD efforts to implement such have moved too slowly, while China is investing enormous sums in developing capabilities that could put US and allied bases at risk with conventional and nuclear weapons. While the US has the resources to harden and fortify critical airfields, such a move could complicate strategic stability calculations. In the wake of the audacious Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian airfields, which took out several of the latter's strategic bombers, pro-Russian defense outlet Top War notes that New START requires the US and Russian strategic bombers to be parked out in the open to be subject to satellite monitoring and inspection-based verification to prevent misperception between the two nuclear powers. Top War notes that while Russia suspended its participation in New START in February 2023, it continues to de facto abide by its provisions. In line with that logic, Tong Zhao explains in a July 2024 report for the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace that non-nuclear US strategic actions, particularly those aimed at improving survivability or enabling conventional precision strikes, may still be interpreted by Chinese analysts as aggressive or escalatory, especially when viewed through the lens of China's 'worst-case thinking' and fear of a disarming first strike. Such a move could lower China's nuclear use threshold, with Zhao emphasizing that even defensive or non-nuclear US moves may be viewed by China as escalatory or hostile if not well-communicated, contributing to nuclear instability.
Miami Herald
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
US unveils city-destroying nuclear missile after years of secrecy
By Dean Murray The United States has unveiled its city-destroying nuclear cruise missile after years of secret development. The first image of the AGM-181A Long-Range Standoff (LRSO) reveals a sleek, stealthy weapon designed to evade modern air defenses, with a range said to exceed 1,500 miles. It is thought the missile will have an adjustable nuclear yield between 5–150 kilotons, allowing uses ranging from tactical effect to destroying cities. A yield of 150 kilotons is 10 times more powerful than the bomb dropped on Hiroshima in August 1945. The LRSO is set to replace the Cold War-era AGM-86B and will be carried by both the forthcoming $585m B-21 Raider and upgraded B-52 bombers. Air Force officials confirmed that the LRSO has already undergone a series of successful flight tests is set for frontline service by 2030. The post US unveils city-destroying nuclear missile after years of secrecy appeared first on Talker. Copyright Talker News. All Rights Reserved.
Scottish Sun
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
‘City-destroying' nuclear missile unveiled by US after years of secret flights – it's 10x deadlier than Hiroshima bomb
It'll be hard for enemies to spot SHOW OF FORCE 'City-destroying' nuclear missile unveiled by US after years of secret flights – it's 10x deadlier than Hiroshima bomb Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) 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. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 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. READ MORE US NEWS 'A PIONEER' Weatherman who starred in movie Twister dies as tributes pour in 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. 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 19FortyFive. 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. 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 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. 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. 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 The War Zone (TWZ) wrote, "LRSO is set to replace the AGM-86B Air Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM), which has served since the twilight of the Cold War." 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. "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. 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 Pentagon acquisition report. We stand here today closer to the brink of nuclear annihilation than ever before 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. Interesting Engineering said the LRSO "arrives as the United States recalibrates its nuclear posture in response to rapid advances in Russian and Chinese strategic capabilities. "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 Hiroshima, that "warmongers" were pushing the world to the brink of nuclear war. 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. 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 The Hill on the China threat starkly warned yesterday, 'America needs to urgently prepare for war.' It cited Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who said on May 31, 'There's no reason to sugarcoat it, the threat China poses is real. And it could be imminent.' 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.'
The Irish Sun
11-06-2025
- Politics
- The Irish Sun
‘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.'
Daily Mirror
11-06-2025
- Daily Mirror
US unveils 'city-destroying' nuclear missile after years of secret development
A devastating nuclear cruise missile, the AGM-181A Long-Range Standoff, has been unveiled by the United States with a range of more than 1,500 miles and designed to avoid modern air defences A city-destroying nuclear cruise missile has been unveiled by the United States after years of development in secret. The first image of the AGM-181A Long-Range Standoff (LRSO) reveals a sleek, stealthy weapon designed to evade modern air defences, with a range said to exceed 1,500 miles. It will be armed with the W80-4 thermonuclear warhead, offering modernized yield, safety, and security features. It is thought the missile will have an adjustable nuclear yield between 5-150 kilotons, allowing uses ranging from tactical effect to destroying cities. A yield of 150 kilotons is ten times more powerful than the bomb dropped on Hiroshima in August 1945. The LRSO is set to replace the Cold War-era AGM-86B and will be carried by both the forthcoming £585m B-21 Raider and upgraded B-52 bombers. Air Force officials confirmed that the LRSO has already undergone a series of successful flight tests is set for frontline service by 2030. The programme has been a key priority for the United States air force and the new LRSO is expected to replace the US' only nuclear-armed cruise missile, the AGM-86B Air Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM) which has been around since the latter days of the Cold War. It has an inverted tail and appears to have a trapezoidal fuselage cross-section design with a wedge-like nose. At this stage it is not clear how close this design that has been revealed will look like the final product as some features often are omitted for an initial release. This new advanced missile is due to play a crucial role in the US' strategic defence. It is expected to have stealth capabilities while being resistant to sophisticated electronic attacks. An advantage of the LRSO is that it is able to penetrate sophisticated air defence systems, as it is more difficult to identify, while it can also be launched from distance and hit targets under contested conditions. The airborne section of the US' nuclear weapons are the most flexible as they can be positioned in different locations, while also quickly removed, or deployed depending on the circumstances. It is their ability to be easily manoeuvred that could give them a critical role in a nuclear stand-off and possibly avoid an armageddon scenario. The LRSO has been made to be just a part of the US' strike force which includes the B-21 Raider, the Air Force's new stealth bomber, and the upgraded B-52 Stratofortress, which will carry the LRSO. The aim is to provide a deterrent due to its attack capabilities in the modern world as the US restructures due to the threats posed by Russia and China.
