B-52 To Get Stealthy AGM-158C Long-Range Anti-Ship Missiles

Published Oct 9, 2026 1:59 PM EDT

U.S. Air Force photo

The U.S. Navy is preparing to sign a contract with Lockheed Martin to integrate the stealthy AGM-158C Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) onto the Air Force’s B-52 Stratofortress bombers, according to an October 7 government notice. The effort would add another long-range maritime strike option to the U.S. bomber force as the military looks to counter increasingly capable adversary naval forces, especially in the Indo-Pacific theater.

The planned contract comes months after the Air Force revealed that the stealthy B-2 bomber can also launch LRASM, a capability that had not previously been publicly disclosed. You can read more about that here .

Two U.S. Air Force B-52s fly over the Pacific Ocean during a routine training mission. U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Gerald R. Willis

The latest Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) notice says the command intends to enter into sole-source negotiations with Lockheed Martin and subsequently award a cost-plus-fixed-fee delivery order covering LRASM integration on the B-52. The work would include missile software updates, associated testing, repairs to test assets, and failure review boards.

The notice does not provide a schedule for completing the integration or fielding the capability.

The B-52 is already capable of carrying large numbers of air-launched cruise missiles, including the AGM-158 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) family . LRASM is derived from that family, sharing a similar general form factor while incorporating features specifically designed to find and attack ships in contested maritime environments.

The B-52 can carry up to 20 JASSMs, and the weapons have the same dimensions, but the government notice does not specify how many LRASMs the bomber would ultimately carry.

A B-52 flies across the Atlantic Ocean on June 17, 2019, for a flight in support of Exercise BALTOPS 2019, the largest multinational maritime exercise of the year in the Baltic Sea. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Stuart Bright

This is not the first time the B-52’s LRASM integration has been in the works.

As long ago as November 2019, Naval News reported that $10 million in Fiscal Year 2019 funding had been allocated to study integrating the missile onto the bomber, with Lockheed Martin and the Navy and Air Force expected to work on the effort. At the time, officials said the fielding timeline and the bomber’s eventual missile capacity had yet to be determined.

The U.S. Air Force’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget proposal further outlines plans to integrate the latest variants of LRASM and JASSM onto the B-52, including versions not yet cleared for use on the bomber. According to the document, the effort, which is intended to enable the deployment of next-generation stealthy cruise missiles against targets protected by sophisticated integrated air defense systems, will focus on engineering and manufacturing development, software updates, and weapons integration. Planned work in FY2027 includes incorporating the missiles’ operational flight programs into the B-52’s baseline bomber software, validating safe weapon separation from both wing-mounted stations and the internal carriage launcher, updating armament interfaces, and completing system-safety testing.

Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles are prepared to be loaded on to a U.S. Air Force B-52 on Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, on April 24, 2023. U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Spencer Perkins

LRASM is designed to attack high-value surface vessels at long distances while reducing the exposure of the aircraft launching it. Its guidance combines GPS-assisted inertial navigation with onboard sensors and autonomous target-recognition capabilities intended to help it operate in heavily defended environments. Its imaging infrared seeker supports terminal target acquisition without relying on active radar emissions in that phase of flight. The missile operates with a high degree of autonomy, enabled by an integrated route-planning capability linked to its onboard electronic support measures (ESM) system. LRASM also has a datalink that allows it to get threat updates while in flight. It can also work cooperatively with other LRASMs during coordinated strikes.

The missile’s precise operational range is not publicly disclosed. However, the baseline LRASM is reported to be able to strike targets at between 200 and 300 miles , in line with the AGM-158A JASSM. The forthcoming C-3 version is expected to have the same reach as the JASSM-ER , which is reported to be around 600 miles .

An AGM-158C Long Range Anti-Ship Missile is seen under the wing of an F/A-18, with another missile in the foreground. U.S. Navy

For the B-52, the addition of LRASM would provide a dedicated anti-ship weapon alongside its established land-attack arsenal. A bomber operating at a considerable distance from a hostile fleet could launch multiple missiles toward maritime targets, complicating an adversary’s air-defense and interception problem. The aircraft’s payload capacity could also allow it to contribute substantial missile volume to a coordinated strike.

The B-52 was previously adapted to carry AGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missiles, although the weapon is not listed among the bomber’s current publicly documented armament. Compared to the Harpoon, however, LRASM represents a quantum leap in capability, offering drastically greater range, a stealthy design, and the ability to react to threats and adapt in real time. Combined, these traits make for a far more survivable and lethal anti-ship capability.

The B-52 also has a demonstrated naval mine-laying capability through the Quickstrike family of aerial mines. This includes carrying 2,000-pound Quickstrike-ER mines fitted with GPS-aided, winged guidance kits, allowing them to glide to designated points in the water from more than 40 miles away. The system enables the bomber to seed minefields with greater precision while remaining farther from potentially defended waters, threatening enemy shipping routes, port access, and naval movements.

A B-52 conducts an operational demonstration of the Quickstrike-ER naval mine project in the Pacific Ocean, on May 30, 2019. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 1st Class Holly L. Herline

The B-52 effort comes against the backdrop of the Air Force’s newly acknowledged use of LRASM on the B-2, which adds a different dimension to the service’s anti-ship capabilities.

A U.S. Air Force B-2 deploys an AGM-158C Long Range Anti-Ship Missile to support a live-fire sinking exercise as part of Valiant Shield 2026 over the Philippine Sea, June 27, 2026. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech Sgt. Thomas Barley

LRASM was also previously integrated on the B-1B, meaning that all three of the Air Force’s strategic bombers will eventually be able to employ it.

The renewed focus on bomber-launched anti-ship weapons reflects the challenges posed by modern naval forces, particularly in the Indo-Pacific. China’s expanding surface fleet, increasingly sophisticated air defenses, and layered anti-access/area-denial capabilities have made the ability to attack ships from a distance an important consideration for U.S. military planning.

U.S. airmen transport a live AGM-158C Long Range Anti-Ship Missile toward a B-1B Lancer at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, June 2, 2026. U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Caleb Schellenberg

LRASM is designed to help address those challenges by combining long-range flight with reduced observability and autonomous terminal targeting. Its onboard sensors and navigation capabilities are intended to help it identify and engage appropriate targets in environments where communications and external targeting support may be limited or contested.

Bomber integration also offers a way to increase the number of potential launch platforms without relying exclusively on tactical aircraft or surface combatants. A B-52 carrying a substantial missile load could contribute to a coordinated attack alongside B-1s, stealth bombers, naval aircraft, and other forces.

The B-52’s payload capacity would make it particularly useful for delivering larger quantities of weapons from outside the most heavily defended areas.

The planned B-52 integration also fits into a broader effort to expand LRASM’s availability across the U.S. military. Publicly discussed integration efforts have included the F-15E , F-15EX , F-16C/D , certain variants of the F-35 , and the Navy’s P-8A Poseidon , in addition to established launch platforms, namely the Navy’s F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighters and the B-1.

Sailors assigned to Patrol Squadron (VP) 30 transport an AGM-158C Long Range Anti-Ship Missile prior to installation on board a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Curtis D. Spencer

Meanwhile, the B-52 fleet is currently preparing for a slew of major upgrades. These include a critical radar overhaul alongside new engines , enhanced communications systems, and other improvements. The scope of these changes is significant enough that the aircraft will be redesignated from B-52H to B-52J . The bombers are also slated to further expand their weapons capabilities , including through the addition of the Long-Range Stand Off (LRSO) nuclear cruise missile. The upgraded B-52Js are expected to remain in service through at least 2050.

Even in its current configuration, the B-52 is particularly well suited to carrying the LRASM, given its substantial payload capacity and ability to launch weapons from standoff distances beyond the reach of enemy air defenses. Its upgraded networking capabilities will greatly enhance its effectiveness by allowing it to operate as part of a broader kill web , drawing on data from multiple platforms and sensors to support targeting over vast distances. In more dynamic operational environments, the bomber’s new radar can generate its own targeting information in real time. The B-2, B-1, the B-52 all offer a distinct levels of penetration and weapons-delivery capability, with the forthcoming B-21 able to push deeper into contested airspace ; it will certainly employ LRASM too.

The integration of LRASM onto the B-52 could prove critical to generating the volume of sorties needed to counter China’s expanding naval fleet . With its substantial payload capacity and ability to launch missiles from standoff distances, the B-52 could deliver significant anti-ship firepower across the vast distances of the Indo-Pacific. These missions would likely involve very long-range sorties, making the bomber’s payload capacity, endurance and networking capabilities particularly valuable in sustaining operations against Chinese naval forces.

If the LRASM integration proceeds as planned, the result would be another addition to the U.S. military’s long-range anti-ship arsenal, giving the Air Force’s venerable B-52 a more explicit role in the growing emphasis on striking hostile fleets at a distance.

Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com

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发布于美国东部时间2026年10月9日下午1:59

美国空军照片

根据10月7日发布的政府公告，美国海军正准备与洛克希德·马丁公司签署合同，将隐形AGM-158C远程反舰导弹（LRASM）集成到空军的B-52“同温层堡垒”轰炸机上。此举将为美国轰炸机部队增添一种远程海上打击选项，以应对日益强大的敌方海军力量，尤其是在印太地区。

这份计划中的合同是在空军透露B-2隐形轰炸机也能发射远程反舰导弹（LRASM）数月后签订的，此前该机并未公开这一能力。您可以在这里阅读更多相关信息。

两架美国空军B-52轰炸机在太平洋上空执行例行训练任务。美国空军一等兵杰拉尔德·R·威利斯摄

美国海军航空系统司令部（NAVAIR）最新公告称，该司令部计划与洛克希德·马丁公司进行单一来源采购谈判，并随后授予一份成本加固定费用的交付订单，用于将远程反舰导弹（LRASM）集成到B-52轰炸机上。工作内容包括导弹软件升级、相关测试、测试设备的维修以及故障审查委员会的工作。

该通知没有提供完成集成或部署该功能的时间表。

B-52轰炸机已具备携带大量空射巡航导弹的能力，包括AGM-158联合空对地防区外导弹（JASSM）系列。远程反舰导弹（LRASM）源自该系列，外形尺寸相似，但融合了专为在复杂海域环境中搜索和攻击舰船而设计的特殊功能。

B-52 最多可携带 20 枚 JASSM 导弹，这些武器的尺寸相同，但政府公告并未具体说明轰炸机最终将携带多少枚 LRASM 导弹。

2019年6月17日，一架B-52轰炸机飞越大西洋，支援“波罗的海行动2019”演习。该演习是波罗的海地区年度规模最大的多国海上联合演习。美国空军高级飞行员斯图尔特·布莱特摄

这并非B-52轰炸机首次进行远程反舰导弹（LRASM）集成工作。

早在2019年11月，《海军新闻》就报道称，2019财年已拨款1000万美元用于研究将导弹集成到轰炸机上，洛克希德·马丁公司以及海军和空军预计将共同开展这项工作。当时，官员们表示，部署时间表和轰炸机最终的导弹携带能力尚未确定。

美国空军2027财年预算提案进一步概述了将最新型号的远程反舰导弹（LRASM）和联合反舰导弹（JASSM）集成到B-52轰炸机上的计划，其中包括一些尚未获准在该轰炸机上使用的型号。根据该文件，这项工作旨在使下一代隐形巡航导弹能够打击由先进综合防空系统保护的目标，其重点将放在工程和制造开发、软件更新以及武器集成上。2027财年的计划工作包括：将导弹的作战飞行程序整合到B-52轰炸机的基础软件中；验证武器与机翼挂架和内部发射器的安全分离；更新武器接口；以及完成系统安全测试。

2023年4月24日，在关岛安德森空军基地，联合空对地防区外导弹准备装载到一架美国空军B-52轰炸机上。美国空军一等兵斯宾塞·珀金斯摄

远程反舰导弹（LRASM）旨在远距离攻击高价值水面舰艇，同时降低发射飞机的暴露风险。其制导系统结合了GPS辅助惯性导航、机载传感器和自主目标识别能力，使其能够在防御严密的环境中作战。其成像红外导引头支持末端目标捕获，无需依赖飞行阶段的主动雷达信号。该导弹具有高度自主性，这得益于其集成的航线规划能力，该能力与其机载电子支援措施（ESM）系统相连。LRASM还配备数据链，使其能够在飞行过程中获取威胁更新信息。此外，它还可以与其他LRASM导弹协同作战，执行协同打击任务。

该导弹的精确作战射程尚未公开。不过，据报道，基本型远程反舰导弹（LRASM）的射程在200至300英里之间，与AGM-158A联合空中支援导弹（JASSM）的射程相当。即将推出的C-3型预计射程与JASSM-ER相同，据报道约为600英里。

一枚AGM-158C远程反舰导弹挂载在一架F/A-18战斗机的机翼下方，前景中可见另一枚导弹。美国海军

对于B-52轰炸机而言，加装远程反舰导弹（LRASM）将使其在现有对陆攻击武器库之外，拥有专门的反舰武器。一架在远离敌方舰队的距离作战的轰炸机可以向海上目标发射多枚导弹，从而加剧敌方防空和拦截的难度。此外，该机的有效载荷能力也使其能够为协同打击贡献大量的导弹。

B-52轰炸机此前曾改装用于携带AGM-84“鱼叉”反舰导弹，尽管该武器并未列入目前公开记录的B-52轰炸机武器装备清单中。然而，与“鱼叉”导弹相比，远程反舰导弹（LRASM）的性能实现了质的飞跃，其射程大幅提升，具备隐身设计，并能实时应对威胁并进行调整。这些特性结合起来，使其拥有更强的生存能力和更强大的反舰杀伤力。

B-52轰炸机还展现了通过“速击”（Quickstrike）系列空中水雷进行水雷布设的能力。该机可携带重达2000磅的“速击-ER”（Quickstrike-ER）水雷，这些水雷配备了GPS辅助的翼式制导装置，使其能够从40英里（约64公里）以外滑翔至水面指定位置。该系统使轰炸机能够更精确地布设水雷，同时远离潜在的防御水域，从而对敌方航运路线、港口通道和海上行动构成威胁。

2019年5月30日，一架B-52轰炸机在太平洋进行“快速打击-ER”水雷项目的作战演示。美国海军一级大众传播专家霍莉·L·赫林摄。

B-52 的研发工作正值空军新近承认在 B-2 上使用 LRASM 导弹之际，这为空军的反舰能力增添了新的维度。

2026年6月27日，一架美国空军B-2轰炸机在菲律宾海上空部署了一枚AGM-158C远程反舰导弹，以支援“勇敢之盾2026”演习中的实弹击沉演习。美国空军技术军士托马斯·巴利摄。

LRASM 也曾被集成到 B-1B 轰炸机上，这意味着空军的三种战略轰炸机最终都将能够使用它。

对轰炸机发射反舰武器的重新重视反映了现代海军力量，尤其是在印太地区，所面临的挑战。中国不断扩大的水面舰队、日益精密的防空系统以及多层次的反介入/区域拒止能力，使得远程攻击舰船的能力成为美国军事规划中的一个重要考量因素。

2026年6月2日，在德克萨斯州戴斯空军基地，美国空军人员将一枚AGM-158C远程反舰导弹运送至一架B-1B“枪骑兵”轰炸机。美国空军一等兵卡莱布·谢伦伯格摄。

LRASM旨在通过结合远程飞行、低可探测性和自主末端目标瞄准，来应对这些挑战。其机载传感器和导航能力旨在帮助其在通信和外部目标瞄准支持受限或受干扰的环境中识别并攻击合适的目标。

轰炸机一体化还能在不完全依赖战术飞机或水面作战舰艇的情况下，增加潜在的发射平台数量。一架携带大量导弹的B-52轰炸机可以与B-1轰炸机、隐形轰炸机、海军飞机和其他部队协同作战，发起攻击。

B-52 的有效载荷能力使其特别适用于从防御最严密的区域之外运送大量武器。

计划中的B-52整合项目也符合美国军方扩大远程反舰导弹（LRASM）可用性的更广泛努力。公开讨论的整合方案包括F-15E、F-15EX、F-16C/D、某些型号的F-35以及海军的P-8A“海神”反潜巡逻机，此外还包括现有的发射平台，即海军的F/A-18E/F“超级大黄蜂”战斗机和B-1轰炸机。

隶属于第30巡逻中队（VP-30）的水兵们正在运输一枚AGM-158C远程反舰导弹，准备将其安装到P-8A“海神”海上巡逻机上。美国海军一级大众传播专家柯蒂斯·D·斯宾塞摄。

与此同时，B-52机队正准备进行一系列重大升级。这些升级包括关键雷达的全面检修，以及更换新型发动机、增强通信系统和其他改进。这些改动规模巨大，飞机型号将从B-52H重新命名为B-52J。此外，这些轰炸机还将进一步提升武器性能，包括加装远程防区外（LRSO）核巡航导弹。升级后的B-52J预计至少服役至2050年。

即使在目前的配置下，B-52轰炸机也特别适合携带远程反舰导弹（LRASM），这得益于其强大的有效载荷能力以及在敌方防空系统射程之外的远距离发射武器的能力。其升级后的联网能力将极大地提升其作战效能，使其能够作为更广泛的打击网络的一部分运行，利用来自多个平台和传感器的数据进行远距离目标定位。在更加动态的作战环境中，该轰炸机的新型雷达可以实时生成自身的目标信息。B-2、B-1和B-52轰炸机都具备不同的穿透力和武器投放能力，即将服役的B-21轰炸机则能够更深入地进入敌方空域；它也必将配备远程反舰导弹（LRASM）。

将远程反舰导弹（LRASM）集成到B-52轰炸机上，对于应对中国不断扩张的海军舰队而言，可能至关重要，因为它能够提供足够的出动架次。凭借其强大的有效载荷能力和远距离发射导弹的能力，B-52轰炸机可以在广阔的印太地区提供强大的反舰火力。这些任务很可能涉及超远程飞行，因此，轰炸机的有效载荷能力、续航能力和网络化能力对于持续打击中国海军力量至关重要。

如果 LRASM 整合按计划进行，这将为美国军方的远程反舰武器库增添又一武器，使空军久经沙场的 B-52 在日益重视远距离打击敌方舰队的战略中发挥更明确的作用。

联系作者：thomas@thewarzone.com

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