U.S. B-2 bombers equipped with LRASM: About anti-ship missiles that can correct their course on their own

one of the U.S. Air Force A B-2 bomber recently launched an AGM-158C long-range anti-ship missile (LRASM) during a live-fire sinking exercise (SINKEX) Western Pacific. According to TWZ, LRASM was previously known to exist in the B-2’s arsenal.

“Pacific Air Forces conducted a successful live-fire sinking exercise using a B-2 Spirit north of the Mariana Islands. B-2 Deployment of long-range anti-ship missiles demonstrates enhanced capabilities to achieve strategic objectives within the range of potential threats. ” Press release From Pacific Air Forces (PACAF). “With the fielding of the B-2 Spirit long-range anti-ship missile, Pacific Air Forces has taken a major step forward in countering maritime threats. This milestone demonstrates impressive high-end innovation and reinforces the U.S. military’s commitment to defending national interests and maintaining global security.”

The press release did not provide any further details about SINKEX. However, Pacific Air Forces told TWZ that as part of Exercise Valiant Shield 2026, the B-2 fired a long-range anti-ship missile at the former USS Juneau, a decommissioned Austin-class amphibious warfare ship.

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“Exercises like Valiant Shield give U.S. Pacific Command the opportunity to integrate forces from across the services and our allies to execute precise, lethal and overwhelming multi-domain effects, demonstrating the power and versatility of the joint force and our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific,” a Pacific Air Forces spokesperson told TWZ.

“The B-2’s impressive performance underscores the U.S. military’s commitment to adaptability and flexibility in the face of emerging security challenges,” said Gen. Kevin B. Snyder, Pacific Air Forces commander. “By prioritizing counter-maritime strike operations, we can maintain a decisive advantage over our adversaries, protect our national interests, and ensure a free and open Pacific that underpins our global security.”

According to TWZ, the B-2’s ability to launch LRASM does not appear to have been disclosed in the past. The media further reported that the Pentagon’s fiscal year 2027 budget proposal did not mention LRASM integration on the B-2, nor did it mention any future plans.

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Approved launch platforms specifically mentioned are the Navy’s F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighter jets and the U.S. Air Force’s B-1 bombers. Work has already been completed to integrate LRASM into the F-15E Strike Eagle, F-15EX Eagle II, F-16C/D Viper, at least some models of F-35, and the P-8A Poseidon. According to budget documents, plans are underway to integrate the missile onto the B-52 bomber.

LRASM uses a GPS-assisted inertial navigation system (INS) to guide navigation to a designated target area and can automatically change course in response to sudden radio frequency emissions from enemy defenses. The missile autonomously searches and classifies targets with the help of a built-in threat target library database. The data link can even help LRASM receive threat updates while in flight. In coordinated strikes, the missile can successfully cooperate with other long-range anti-ship missiles.

“Long-range anti-ship missiles play a critical role in ensuring the U.S. Navy operates on the high seas and in littoral environments because it enhances the ability to distinguish long-range targets,” said Lt. Cassirer, then-Lieutenant. Col. Timothy Albrecht said after a B-1 training over the Black Sea in 2020. “As maritime threats increase and anti-access/area denial capabilities improve, [A2/AD] An environmental weapon, this stealthy anti-ship cruise missile reduces the risk of attacking assets by penetrating and defeating advanced enemy air defense systems. “