US Navy Plans to Integrate Long-Range Anti-Ship Missiles Onto B-52 Stratofortress Heavy Bombers

Asia Times•Published: Oct 13, 2026 09:24 AM IST

The US Navy plans to award a sole-source contract to Lockheed Martin to integrate the AGM-158C Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile onto the US Air Force's B-52 Stratofortress fleet to counter China's expanding navy. The integration effort will include software updates, flight testing, and separation clearances to enable the heavy bomber to carry up to 20 stealthy, autonomous anti-ship cruise missiles.

Missile Integration Program: The project encompasses software updates, test-asset repairs, and internal/external pylon separation clearances for the AGM-158C LRASM.
Massive Payload Capacity: The B-52 will be capable of carrying up to 20 stealthy, autonomous cruise missiles capable of striking heavily defended naval targets beyond 320 kilometers.
Countering Naval Expansion: The upgrade directly addresses the People's Liberation Army Navy's growth to over 370 battle force ships, offering an asymmetric deterrent.

The Context & Background

Strategic planners aim to leverage the B-52's intercontinental range and payload to mass standoff firepower across the Indo-Pacific. This initiative counters China's numerical naval superiority while mitigating operational risks for US aircraft carrier strike groups facing sophisticated defenses.

Why it matters:This strategic upgrade addresses critical anti-ship firepower gaps in the US military while countering China's growing naval dominance in the Indo-Pacific. By shifting maritime strike capabilities to long-range heavy bombers, the US can project devastating power without risking vulnerable surface warships.

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