The U.S. Air Force has publicly revealed the AGM‑181A Long-Range Standoff (LRSO) nuclear cruise missile—capable of destroying cities—after years of classified development.
At a Glance
- The new AGM‑181A LRSO is a stealth nuclear cruise missile with a range exceeding 1,500 miles and a variable yield of 5–150 kilotons.
- With a maximum 150 kt yield, it is roughly ten times more powerful than the Hiroshima bomb.
- The missile will replace the aging AGM‑86B and be deployed on B‑21 Raider and upgraded B‑52 bombers.
- Multiple successful flight tests have occurred; operational deployment is targeted for 2030.
- Revealing the LRSO is considered one of the most significant disclosures of advanced U.S. nuclear capabilities in recent decades.
What Makes LRSO a Game-Changer
The AGM‑181A LRSO, developed by Raytheon, brings the U.S. into a new era of nuclear deterrence. Its stealth profile and extended range make it capable of penetrating adversary air defenses and striking with precision. Its variable yield allows tactical or strategic use, from bunker-busting to wiping out urban centers.
Strategic Context and Risks
The LRSO fits within the U.S. nuclear triad alongside ICBMs and submarine-launched systems. However, experts caution it blurs the line between conventional and nuclear warfare and risks destabilizing deterrence. Critics argue it lowers the threshold for nuclear use, given its deployability from long-range aircraft.
Future of U.S. Nuclear Forces
The Air Force plans to pair the LRSO with the new LGM‑35 Sentinel ICBM, replacing the Minuteman III in the late 2020s. Together with the B‑21 Raider and Columbia-class submarines, LRSO completes a modernized deterrent portfolio designed to last through the 2070s.
Revealing LRSO marks a bold shift toward more agile, survivable nuclear options—provoking debate about arms races and ethical risks in an age of strategic uncertainty.
