The U.S. Navy is planning to negotiate a sole-source contract with Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control to integrate the AGM-158C Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) on the B-52 Stratofortress, according to an Oct. 7, 2026 contract notice from Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR).
The notice announces a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) sole source negotiation with Lockheed Martin, covering missile software updates, associated testing, test asset repair, and failure review boards. It does not specify a timeline for fielding the new capability.
The integration would make the B-52 the third U.S. Air Force strategic bomber capable of employing the LRASM, joining the B-1B Lancer and B-2 Spirit. The B-52 can carry up to 20 JASSM-family missiles, with 12 carried externally and eight in internal conventional rotary launchers.
The LRASM is derived from the AGM-158 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) family, sharing the same airframe design but with components customized for striking ships in contested maritime environments. NAVAIR describes the low-observable, stealthy missile as a near-term Offensive Anti-Surface Warfare (OASuW) air-launch capability.
Plans to integrate the B-52 with the LRASM have been in development since 2019, though the effort stalled for several years. The Air Force FY 2027 budget request outlines work to incorporate the missiles’ operational flight programs into the B-52’s baseline bomber software, validate safe weapon separation from wing-mounted and internal stations, update armament interfaces, and complete system-safety testing.
Other Air Force platforms set to receive the LRASM include the F-15E Strike Eagle, F-15EX Eagle II, and F-16C/D. Naval aircraft such as the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and P-8A Poseidon have already been integrated with the missile.
The LRASM 1.0 variant was fielded with early operational capability in 2019 and is integrated on the B-1B and F/A-18E/F. The newer LRASM 1.1 variant was fielded in 2023 and is undergoing Initial Operational Test & Evaluation, according to the Director, Operational Test and Evaluation’s report.
The B-52 is also set to expand its weapons capability with the addition of the AGM-181 Long-Range Stand-Off (LRSO) missile, the Air Force’s next-generation stealth nuclear cruise missile. The bomber is poised for the upgrade to the B-52J standard, expected to keep it operational at least until 2050.
Sources: Defence Blog · Defence Blog