America's secret weapon, captured in flight. The missile that could change the nuclear balance
A US B-52H Stratofortress strategic bomber has been photographed in California carrying a new type of weaponry under its wing — an image that has piqued the interest of military analysts and fueled speculation that it could be the AGM-181A LRSO (Long-Range Standoff) nuclear cruise missile, considered the United States' answer to Russia's Burevestnik and Poseidon strategic weapons.
Mysterious missile under the wing of a B-52/ PHOTO: X
The aviation photographer, who goes by the moniker @lookunderrocks, captured the aircraft in flight over Owens Valley in California. The photograph was later analyzed by The Aviationist publication, which noted the presence of two unknown missiles mounted on a Multiple Ejector Rack (MER).
A new generation of strategic weaponry
According to experts cited by The Aviationist, the missiles pictured feature an inverted “T” tail design, folding wings and a pointed tip — features consistent with the LRSO structure.
The AGM-181A LRSO program aims to replace the aging AGM-86B ALCM air-to-surface cruise missile, in service with the US Air Force since the 1980s. The new version is designed to be a long-range, low-stealth nuclear weapon capable of penetrating the advanced air defense systems of Russia and China.
An article cited by the publication Defense Express points out that the LRSO is one of the priorities of the American “nuclear triad” modernization program and is considered an essential element of the future B-21 Raider bomber.
Secret project and lack of official confirmations
The company Raytheon is the main contractor for the development of the missile. According to available information, the project began flight tests in 2020, with a total of nine test missions reported with the B-52H platform. The missile would have demonstrated the capability of controlled separation from the carrier aircraft.
However, public images of the tests have been completely absent until now. The recent photo is the first visual material that could indicate an operational version of the LRSO, although the observed shape differs from previously published graphic renderings.
Defense Express notes that the discrepancies can be explained by the high level of secrecy of the program or the intention to hide details of the missile's capabilities. In official sources, there is still no confirmed information about its technical specifications or performance.
“For now, what we see in the image remains a matter of speculation. However, based on the earlier stages of the project, it is plausible that the observed object is indeed an LRSO prototype,” said analysts quoted by the Ukrainian publication.
The revelation comes shortly after Russia announced in late October the successful test of the Burevestnik cruise missile, described by the Kremlin as a “weapon with unlimited range”.
The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington recently published an analysis explaining the potential danger of these weapons to global security and the possible implications for Ukraine and NATO allies.
