America’s new AGM-181 LRSO missile is in the news these days. The Pentagon was keeping it secret, but a planespotter in California took its picture for the first time. This missile is capable of carrying out nuclear attacks from a distance and is going to replace the old AGM-86B. Made with stealth technology, this missile can attack silently without being seen by the enemy, which makes it very special.
What is special in LRSO?
The AGM-181 LRSO is an air-launched cruise missile, designed for long-range attack. It carries a nuclear warhead, which means there is no need to take the fighter plane near the target. The missile itself can attack deep inside the enemy and in this entire process the bomber aircraft remains absolutely safe.
Stealth technology- ability to deceive radar
LRSO has been designed in such a way that radar cannot detect it easily. Its body has a very low radar signal, the wings open during flight and a vertical tail is placed at the bottom which further reduces its image on radar. Because of this, this missile can reach its target by dodging the enemy air defense system.
Size, range and technical capability
This missile is approximately 6.4 meters long and 0.62 meters wide, about the size of a small car. The weight is approximately 1,360 kg, which is equal to the old AGM-86 missile. Its range is more than 2,500 kilometers – so much so that it has the ability to strike from one continent to another. This missile flies at subsonic speed, i.e. about 850 km/hour and can carry a W80-4 nuclear warhead, whose power can be varied from 5 to 150 kilotons. At 150 kilotons, it can deliver an attack almost 10 times more powerful than the Hiroshima bomb. For guidance, it uses GPS and TERCOM along with inertial system, due to which it can accurately hit the target even while changing its course.
Missile seen for the first time after the picture was leaked
The first picture of LRSO was revealed in June 2025, in which it was seen hanging below a B-52 bomber. This photo was taken by a planespotter in California. After this, for the first time people were able to see the real form of this missile, because the Pentagon was keeping it very secret till now.
When will she be ready for war?
This missile is currently in the testing phase and is expected to be fully in service by 2030. Initially it will be launched from B-52 bomber and later it will also be deployed on America’s new stealth bomber B-21 Raider. Its development gained momentum during the Trump government and its first contract was awarded to Rithian Company in 2020.
Big message for Russia and China
America is seeing this missile as a means to strengthen its nuclear deterrence. According to the Pentagon, LRSO is a strong answer to the growing missile capabilities of Russia and China. This not only increases America’s strategic strength, but also gives the message that America is always ready to respond to any attack.
