Latest news with #LRSO
Miami Herald
2 days ago
- Politics
- Miami Herald
US unveils city-destroying nuclear missile after years of secrecy
By Dean Murray The United States has unveiled its city-destroying nuclear cruise missile after years of secret development. The first image of the AGM-181A Long-Range Standoff (LRSO) reveals a sleek, stealthy weapon designed to evade modern air defenses, with a range said to exceed 1,500 miles. It is thought the missile will have an adjustable nuclear yield between 5–150 kilotons, allowing uses ranging from tactical effect to destroying cities. A yield of 150 kilotons is 10 times more powerful than the bomb dropped on Hiroshima in August 1945. The LRSO is set to replace the Cold War-era AGM-86B and will be carried by both the forthcoming $585m B-21 Raider and upgraded B-52 bombers. Air Force officials confirmed that the LRSO has already undergone a series of successful flight tests is set for frontline service by 2030. The post US unveils city-destroying nuclear missile after years of secrecy appeared first on Talker. Copyright Talker News. All Rights Reserved.
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
‘City-destroying' nuclear missile unveiled by US after years of secret flights – it's 10x deadlier than Hiroshima bomb
It'll be hard for enemies to spot SHOW OF FORCE 'City-destroying' nuclear missile unveiled by US after years of secret flights – it's 10x deadlier than Hiroshima bomb Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AMERICA'S military bosses have shown off a city-destroying nuke after years of secret flights. The AGM-181A Long-Range Standoff (LRSO) nuclear cruise missile can evade electronic jamming attacks and features stealth capabilities. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 An artist's rendering of the AGM-181A Long-Range Standoff (LRSO) nuclear cruise missile Credit: SWNS 4 The nukes will be used by the B-21 Raider - a sixth-gen warfighter Credit: SWNS It will unleash thermonuclear warheads on enemies. Military chiefs released an artist's concept pic to give a glimpse of the AGM-181A Long-Range Standoff (LRSO) nuclear cruise missile. It is being developed in answer to the rapid growth of China's nuclear arsenal. America's next-generation nuclear cruise missile has a range exceeding 1,500 miles. READ MORE US NEWS 'A PIONEER' Weatherman who starred in movie Twister dies as tributes pour in It is also expected to have an adjustable nuclear yield from five to 150 kilotons. That's a blast ten times more powerful than the bomb dropped on Hiroshima in August 1945. By comparison, deadly Tomahawks have a range of 1,500 miles, and the intermediate-range cruise missiles are equipped with a 1000-pound conventional warhead. The nuclear-armed cruise missile will arm America's warfighter B-21 - part of the Air Force strategic bomber fleet - and its famous combat bomber, the B-52. The United States has secretly been testing the new nuclear weapon for years. Once operational in battle, it'll be hard for the enemy to spot - and destroy - thanks to its 'low-observable design' according to defense and security experts at 19FortyFive. Watch Trump intel chief Tulsi Gabbard warn of nuclear 'annihilation' & slam 'elites with bomb shelters' in puzzling vid And the missile's development is rapidly progressing ahead of schedule. The AGM-181A will replace the 40-year-old AGM-86B Air-Launched Cruise Missile. Air Force officials have confirmed that the nuke has already undergone a series of successful flight tests, and it is set for frontline service by 2030. The weapon offers stealth characteristics, jet propulsion, a range exceeding 1,500 miles, and an adjustable nuclear yield from five to 150 kilotons. 4 The LRSO is set to replace the Cold War-era AGM-86B, above Credit: SWNS 4 A B-21 Raider seen taking off at Edwards Air Force Base, California Credit: SWNS But mystery remains, as few facts have been released about the LRSO's capabilities - the program remains highly classified. What is known - according to defense experts - is that it will be able to blast enemy targets well over 1,500 miles away. It's also expected to have subsonic missiles - which fly at a speed lesser than that of sound. Plus it will have the ability to navigate in any tough environment. TOP SECRET "This highly secretive nuclear cruise missile is expected to offer a low-observable design meant to limit chances of intercept. "The LRSO's total range, top speed, and estimated radar return all remain classified," said 1945. The artist's pic reveals a sleek, stealthy weapon designed to evade modern air defences. The nuke's high-tech features mean it'll be perfect against electronic warfare, as it can be used when GPS jamming is carried out. What are the features of the AGM-181A Long-Range Standoff (LRSO)? An artist's rendering shows a first glimpse of the AGM-181A Long-Range Standoff (LRSO) nuclear cruise missile What the nuke will offer the U.S. military: An adjustable nuclear yield between 5–150 kilotons, allowing uses ranging from tactical effect to destroying cities The ability to navigate in any environment Subsonic missile - flies at a speed lesser than that of sound Perfect for electronic warfare as they can be used where GPS jamming is carried out Will feature the updated W80-4 thermonuclear warhead - a type of nuclear warhead carried on air-launched cruise missiles Greater range than its predecessors - its stand-off range is expected to be more than (1,500 miles (2,500 km) It's pegged to replace America's only nuclear-armed cruise missile in operation today, which has served since the start of the Cold War - and are becoming obselete. Defense experts at The War Zone (TWZ) wrote, "LRSO is set to replace the AGM-86B Air Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM), which has served since the twilight of the Cold War." STEALTH MODE Commenting on the first unclassified image, TWZ said the AGM-181A features an inverted tail. It also noted, "The missile looks like it has a trapezoidal fuselage cross-section design with a wedge-like nose. "We see no air inlet in the concept rendering, which could be for security reasons, considering the inlet design is often a closely guarded feature on stealthy flying machines - or it could be located on the top of the missile." BUILT IN U.S. The experts warned, though, that the concept pic could well be inaccurate, as "some features will be omitted or even misleading for an initial public release." They described it as a "critical tool" for American's nuclear triad - hoped to avert a "nuclear holocaust." It's being built by major American aerospace and defense firm Raytheon, with production slated for 1,020 units, according to 1945. The nukes will be carried by both the forthcoming £585 million B-21 Raider and upgraded B-52 Stratofortress bombers. The AGM-181s are expected to replace the AGM-86B missiles by 2030, added TWZ, quoting a Pentagon acquisition report. We stand here today closer to the brink of nuclear annihilation than ever before The Pentagon's 2022 acquisition estimates the program will cost $16 billion for 1,020 missiles. And unit costs are currently projected to be around $14 million. Interesting Engineering said the LRSO "arrives as the United States recalibrates its nuclear posture in response to rapid advances in Russian and Chinese strategic capabilities. "With the aging Air-Launched Cruise Missile nearing obsolescence and no other nuclear cruise missile currently in service, the AGM-181A LRSO will fill a crucial gap in US deterrence strategy." WAR TURMOIL Its development comes during one of the most violent periods since the end of the Second World War. US intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard warned on Tuesday, after a trip to Hiroshima, that "warmongers" were pushing the world to the brink of nuclear war. She posted a video of grisly footage from the world's first nuclear attack, and said, "A single nuclear weapon today could kill millions in just minutes. 'As we stand here today closer to the brink of nuclear annihilation than ever before, political elites and warmongers are carelessly fomenting fear and tensions between nuclear powers.' These include ongoing threats from Iran, China, North Korea and Russia. U.S. TARGETS Iran today threatened to target U.S. military bases in the region if conflict breaks out. Meanwhile, evil despot Vladimir Putin has his brutal ambitions set on invading Nato, warned Bruno Kahl, head of Berlin's Federal Intelligence Service. And just last October, the U.S. and its allies said they were 'alarmed' by North Korea's nuclear and missile threats. An opinion piece in The Hill on the China threat starkly warned yesterday, 'America needs to urgently prepare for war.' It cited Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who said on May 31, 'There's no reason to sugarcoat it, the threat China poses is real. And it could be imminent.' The Hill said, 'The Chinese regime, which is mobilizing all of society for war, is now unstable. It is not clear who, if anyone, is in charge. Therefore, the regime could take us by surprise. 'Given all the turmoil in the Chinese military, America and its partners need to focus on more than just Taiwan. In fact, the main island of Taiwan might be the least likely target.'
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Irish Sun
‘City-destroying' nuclear missile unveiled by US after years of secret flights – it's 10x deadlier than Hiroshima bomb
AMERICA'S military bosses have shown off a city-destroying nuke after years of secret flights. The AGM-181A Long-Range Standoff (LRSO) nuclear cruise missile can evade electronic jamming attacks and features stealth capabilities. Advertisement 4 An artist's rendering of the AGM-181A Long-Range Standoff (LRSO) nuclear cruise missile Credit: SWNS 4 The nukes will be used by the B-21 Raider - a sixth-gen warfighter Credit: SWNS It will unleash thermonuclear warheads on enemies. Military chiefs released an artist's concept pic to give a glimpse of the AGM-181A Long-Range Standoff (LRSO) nuclear cruise missile. It is being developed in answer to the rapid growth of China's nuclear arsenal. America's next-generation nuclear cruise missile has a range exceeding 1,500 miles. Advertisement It is also expected to have an adjustable nuclear yield from five to 150 kilotons. That's a blast ten times more powerful than the bomb dropped on Hiroshima in August 1945. By comparison, deadly Tomahawks have a range of 1,500 miles, and the intermediate-range cruise missiles are equipped with a 1000-pound conventional warhead. The nuclear-armed cruise missile will arm America's warfighter B-21 - part of the Air Force strategic bomber fleet - and its famous combat bomber, the B-52. Advertisement Most read in The US Sun The United States has secretly been testing the new nuclear weapon for years. Once operational in battle, it'll be hard for the enemy to spot - and destroy - thanks to its 'low-observable design' according to defense and security experts at Watch Trump intel chief Tulsi Gabbard warn of nuclear 'annihilation' & slam 'elites with bomb shelters' in puzzling vid And the missile's development is rapidly progressing ahead of schedule. The AGM-181A will replace the 40-year-old AGM-86B Air-Launched Cruise Missile. Advertisement Air Force officials have confirmed that the nuke has already undergone a series of successful flight tests, and it is set for frontline service by 2030. The weapon offers stealth characteristics, jet propulsion, a range exceeding 1,500 miles, and an adjustable nuclear yield from five to 150 kilotons. 4 The LRSO is set to replace the Cold War-era AGM-86B, above Credit: SWNS 4 A B-21 Raider seen taking off at Edwards Air Force Base, California Credit: SWNS Advertisement But mystery remains, as few facts have been released about the LRSO's capabilities - the program remains highly classified. What is known - according to defense experts - is that it will be able to blast enemy targets well over 1,500 miles away. It's also expected to have subsonic missiles - which fly at a speed lesser than that of sound. Plus it will have the ability to navigate in any tough environment. Advertisement TOP SECRET "This highly secretive nuclear cruise missile is expected to offer a low-observable design meant to limit chances of intercept. "The LRSO's total range, top speed, and estimated radar return all remain classified," said 1945. The artist's pic reveals a sleek, stealthy weapon designed to evade modern air defences. The nuke's high-tech features mean it'll be perfect against electronic warfare, as it can be used when GPS jamming is carried out. Advertisement What are the features of the AGM-181A Long-Range Standoff (LRSO)? An artist's rendering shows a first glimpse of the AGM-181A Long-Range Standoff (LRSO) nuclear cruise missile What the nuke will offer the U.S. military: An adjustable nuclear yield between 5–150 kilotons, allowing uses ranging from tactical effect to destroying cities The ability to navigate in any environment Subsonic missile - flies at a speed lesser than that of sound Perfect for electronic warfare as they can be used where GPS jamming is carried out Will feature the updated W80-4 thermonuclear warhead - a type of nuclear warhead carried on air-launched cruise missiles Greater range than its predecessors - its stand-off range is expected to be more than (1,500 miles (2,500 km) It's pegged to replace America's only nuclear-armed cruise missile in operation today, which has served since the start of the Cold War - and are becoming obselete. Defense experts at STEALTH MODE Commenting on the first unclassified image, TWZ said the AGM-181A features an inverted tail. It also noted, "The missile looks like it has a trapezoidal fuselage cross-section design with a wedge-like nose. Advertisement "We see no air inlet in the concept rendering, which could be for security reasons, considering the inlet design is often a closely guarded feature on stealthy flying machines - or it could be located on the top of the missile." BUILT IN U.S. The experts warned, though, that the concept pic could well be inaccurate, as "some features will be omitted or even misleading for an initial public release." They described it as a "critical tool" for American's nuclear triad - hoped to avert a "nuclear holocaust." It's being built by major American aerospace and defense firm Raytheon, with production slated for 1,020 units, according to 1945. Advertisement The nukes will be carried by both the forthcoming £585 million B-21 Raider and upgraded B-52 Stratofortress bombers. The AGM-181s are expected to replace the AGM-86B missiles by 2030, added TWZ, quoting a We stand here today closer to the brink of nuclear annihilation than ever before US intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard The Pentagon's 2022 acquisition estimates the program will cost $16 billion for 1,020 missiles. And unit costs are currently projected to be around $14 million. Advertisement "With the aging Air-Launched Cruise Missile nearing obsolescence and no other nuclear cruise missile currently in service, the AGM-181A LRSO will fill a crucial gap in US deterrence strategy." WAR TURMOIL Its development comes during one of the most violent periods since the end of the Second World War. US intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard warned on Tuesday, after a trip to Advertisement She posted a video of grisly footage from the world's first nuclear attack, and said, "A single nuclear weapon today could kill millions in just minutes. 'As we stand here today closer to the brink of nuclear annihilation than ever before, political elites and warmongers are carelessly fomenting fear and tensions between nuclear powers.' These include ongoing threats from Iran, China, North Korea and Russia. U.S. TARGETS Iran today threatened to target U.S. military bases in the region if conflict breaks out. Advertisement Meanwhile, evil despot Vladimir Putin has his brutal ambitions set on invading Nato, warned Bruno Kahl, head of Berlin's Federal Intelligence Service. And just last October, the U.S. and its allies said they were 'alarmed' by North Korea's nuclear and missile threats. An opinion piece in It cited Defense Secretary Advertisement Read more on the Irish Sun The Hill said, 'The Chinese regime, which is mobilizing all of society for war, is now unstable. It is not clear who, if anyone, is in charge. Therefore, the regime could take us by surprise. 'Given all the turmoil in the Chinese military, America and its partners need to focus on more than just Taiwan. In fact, the main island of Taiwan might be the least likely target.'
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Daily Mirror
US unveils 'city-destroying' nuclear missile after years of secret development
A devastating nuclear cruise missile, the AGM-181A Long-Range Standoff, has been unveiled by the United States with a range of more than 1,500 miles and designed to avoid modern air defences A city-destroying nuclear cruise missile has been unveiled by the United States after years of development in secret. The first image of the AGM-181A Long-Range Standoff (LRSO) reveals a sleek, stealthy weapon designed to evade modern air defences, with a range said to exceed 1,500 miles. It will be armed with the W80-4 thermonuclear warhead, offering modernized yield, safety, and security features. It is thought the missile will have an adjustable nuclear yield between 5-150 kilotons, allowing uses ranging from tactical effect to destroying cities. A yield of 150 kilotons is ten times more powerful than the bomb dropped on Hiroshima in August 1945. The LRSO is set to replace the Cold War-era AGM-86B and will be carried by both the forthcoming £585m B-21 Raider and upgraded B-52 bombers. Air Force officials confirmed that the LRSO has already undergone a series of successful flight tests is set for frontline service by 2030. The programme has been a key priority for the United States air force and the new LRSO is expected to replace the US' only nuclear-armed cruise missile, the AGM-86B Air Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM) which has been around since the latter days of the Cold War. It has an inverted tail and appears to have a trapezoidal fuselage cross-section design with a wedge-like nose. At this stage it is not clear how close this design that has been revealed will look like the final product as some features often are omitted for an initial release. This new advanced missile is due to play a crucial role in the US' strategic defence. It is expected to have stealth capabilities while being resistant to sophisticated electronic attacks. An advantage of the LRSO is that it is able to penetrate sophisticated air defence systems, as it is more difficult to identify, while it can also be launched from distance and hit targets under contested conditions. The airborne section of the US' nuclear weapons are the most flexible as they can be positioned in different locations, while also quickly removed, or deployed depending on the circumstances. It is their ability to be easily manoeuvred that could give them a critical role in a nuclear stand-off and possibly avoid an armageddon scenario. The LRSO has been made to be just a part of the US' strike force which includes the B-21 Raider, the Air Force's new stealth bomber, and the upgraded B-52 Stratofortress, which will carry the LRSO. The aim is to provide a deterrent due to its attack capabilities in the modern world as the US restructures due to the threats posed by Russia and China.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
First Glimpse Of Air Force's New Stealth Nuclear Cruise Missile
After years of development, we have gotten our first look at what the USAF's new AGM-181A Long-Range Standoff (LRSO) nuclear-armed cruise missile could actually look like. The program is a top priority for the Air Force and its Global Strike Command. LRSO is set to replace America's only nuclear-armed cruise missile in operation today, the AGM-86B Air Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM), which has served since the twilight of the Cold War. The AGM-86B missile has even remained in service long after the more advanced and stealthy AGM-129 Advanced Cruise Missile (ACM) was retired after just over two decades of service (1990-2012). You can read all about the AGM-129 and the AGM-86B in this past feature. Most notably from this first unclassified render, the LRSO features an inverted tail very similar to the conventionally-armed AGM-158 JASSM stealthy air-launched cruise missile. The AGM-129 featured a similar arrangement, although with a differently shaped vertical tail. The missile looks like it has a trapezoidal fuselage cross-section design with a wedge-like nose. The wing design is also similar to JASSM. We see no air inlet in the concept rendering, which could be for security reasons, considering the inlet design is often a closely guarded feature on stealthy flying machines, or it could be located on the top of the missile. We also can't say with any certainty how accurate this official rendering is of the actual design, but it is a given that some features will be omitted or even misleading for an initial public release. The airborne leg is already the most flexible of America's nuclear triad. Bombers can be positioned anywhere around the globe, both in the air and forward deployed on the ground. They can also be rapidly recalled as needed, signalling de-escalation. This is a critical tool for strategic messaging that could potentially avert a nuclear holocaust. The nuclear-armed cruise missile component of this capability allows for standoff attacks that present a real challenge for traditional air defenses and cannot be readily identified by ballistic missile-focused early warning architectures. So, as a result, in this new age of so-called 'great power competition,' with the AGM-129 already retired from service and the AGM-86B growing very old and becoming questionably survivable, a new, more capable and resilient long-range nuclear-tipped cruise missile was deemed necessary. This became the AGM-181A LRSO. This new weapon system, built by Raytheon, will be carried by both the new B-21 Raider and the venerable B-52 Stratofortress. The B-52 is also set to be deeply upgraded, overall, as you can learn more about here. Otherwise, little is known about the LRSO's capabilities as the program remains highly classified in many respects. Still, one can expect a subsonic missile with greater range than its predecessors that features a very tough-to-detect and track airframe and engine combination. Strict emissions control and the ability to navigate in any environment, including one where access to GPS is degraded or denied, and dense electronic warfare is the norm, will be critical. Autonomously reacting to threats in its area to better ensure its best path to its target will also likely be a feature. Combined, these elements will offer the missile and its launch platform more employment options and far greater survivability, especially as very long-range integrated air defenses mature at a rapid pace. LRSO has been in secretive flight testing for years now, and it will feature the updated W80-4 thermonuclear warhead. The weapon is also part of the larger Long Range Strike family of systems, which includes the B-21 as its centerpiece, as well as new command and control, space-based support assets, weapons, communications, and other technologies, possibly including classified fixed-wing companion aircraft. These capabilities will work to become something greater than the sum of their parts in order to achieve success in a future combat environment that will be far more threatening than any in the past. When it comes to the price tag, as we noted in a previous report from 2023: 'The Pentagon acquisition report does peg the estimated LRSO program acquisition cost, as of December 2022 and based on the expected purchase of 1,020 missiles in total, at just over $16 billion. Sustaining the missiles over a 30-year lifespan is expected to cost another $7 billion or so.' More current estimates put the cost of LRSO at around $14M each. Previous plans to make a conventionally-armed variant of the LRSO seem to have been dropped, with further extrapolations of the popular AGM-158 JASSM series of air-launched stealthy cruise missiles filling that role. If this first rendering is any indication, LRSO has moved well forward in its development, and we are likely to hear more about it and finally see it in full in the not-too-distant future. The missile has been expected to begin entering operational service toward the end of the decade. Then again, few programs are safe just yet as this new administration looks to manifest its priorities in its first defense budget, which we should be seeing in full any time now. Contact the author: Tyler@
