AGM-181 LRSO

[william]

A B-52 with test markings was spotted carrying a mysterious payload that resembles the rendering of the AGM-181 LRSO, the Air Force’s next-gen stealth nuclear cruise missile.

The bomber was captured on Oct. 29, 2025, by aviation photographer Ian Recchio.

The AGM-181 Long Range Standoff (LRSO) Cruise Missile is a long range survivable standoff weapon capable of delivering lethal nuclear effects on strategic targets, which will replace the currently fielded AGM-86 Air Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM). The LRSO will be integrated on both the B-52 Stratofortress and B-21 Raider bomber aircraft.

The LRSO weapon system will be capable of penetrating and surviving advanced Integrated Air Defense Systems (IADS) from significant standoff ranges to prosecute strategic targets in support of the Air Force’s global attack capability and strategic deterrence core function.

The LRSO is a priority for the Air Force as the U.S. is working to modernize its nuclear triad, and has been defined as a critical capability for the B-21 Raider. The new stealth bomber is set to be equipped with three nuclear weapons: the AGM-181 LRSO cruise missile and the B61-12 and B61-13 bombs, with the latter used exclusively by the Raider.

B-52 Spotted During Testing of Unidentified Weapon

A B-52 with test markings was spotted carrying a mysterious payload that resembles the rendering of the AGM-181 LRSO, the Air Force’s next-gen stealth

theaviationist.com