U.S. Develops Long-Range Nuclear Missile to Boost Bomber Strike Power

On May 1, 2026, Army Recognition reported that the United States is speeding up development of the Long-Range Stand-Off (LRSO) nuclear cruise missile to strengthen its bomber capabilities.

This new missile is intended to replace the aging AGM-86B and allow aircraft to strike targets from safer distances without entering heavily defended airspace.

The LRSO is designed to extend the operational range and flexibility of U.S. bombers by enabling attacks from outside contested zones. It improves survivability by reducing exposure to integrated air defense systems, including advanced surface-to-air missiles like the S-400 and HQ-9.