U.S. Navy Aims to Equip B-52 Bombers with Stealth Anti-Ship Missiles

The U.S. Navy is set to enter into negotiations with Lockheed Martin for the integration of the stealthy AGM-158C Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) onto the Air Force’s B-52 Stratofortress bombers, according to a recent government notice dated October 7. This move aims to bolster the U.S. military's long-range maritime strike capabilities as it faces increasingly sophisticated naval threats from adversaries, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.

The LRASM is derived from the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) family but incorporates advanced features tailored for targeting and engaging ships in contested waters. The missile’s stealthy design and enhanced anti-ship capabilities make it a formidable asset against modern naval defenses. This integration will complement the B-52's existing capacity to carry large numbers of air-launched cruise missiles, including various JASSM variants.

The Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) intends to proceed with sole-source negotiations with Lockheed Martin for this project. The contract is expected to cover missile software updates and associated testing phases. Additionally, the work will involve repairing test assets and conducting failure review boards to ensure operational readiness. However, the notice does not provide a specific timeline or details regarding the number of LRASMs that each B-52 bomber would ultimately carry.

This development follows recent revelations about the B-2 stealth bomber's capability to launch LRASM missiles, which was previously undisclosed to the public. The Air Force’s decision to disclose this information underscores the growing importance of integrating advanced anti-ship capabilities across its strategic bomber fleet.

The integration of LRASMs onto the B-52 is not a new initiative. As early as November 2019, Naval News reported that $10 million had been allocated in Fiscal Year 2019 to study and plan for this missile's incorporation into the B-52’s armament. At the time, officials noted that both the timeline for fielding and the bomber's eventual missile capacity were still under determination.

The U.S. Air Force’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget proposal further outlines plans to integrate advanced versions of LRASM and JASSM onto the B-52. These efforts are intended to enhance the bomber’s ability to deploy next-generation stealthy cruise missiles against targets defended by sophisticated integrated air defense systems.

The strategic implications of this move are significant, as it enhances the U.S.'s capability to project power in maritime domains contested by adversaries with advanced naval capabilities. The integration of LRASMs onto B-52 bombers represents a critical step in modernizing and expanding the range and effectiveness of America's long-range strike capabilities.