B-2 Bomber Fires Stealth Anti-Ship Missile in Pacific Exercise First
On June 27, 2026, the U.S. Air Force revealed that a B-2 Spirit stealth bomber successfully fired an AGM-158C Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) during Exercise Valiant Shield 2026 north of the Mariana Islands. The live-fire sinking exercise targeted the decommissioned USS Juneau, which was also struck by a Japanese submarine torpedo. This previously undisclosed capability transforms the B-2 into a stealthy ship-hunter, enhancing U.S. maritime strike power to counter Chinese naval threats in the Indo-Pacific. Integration details remain classified.
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America’s B-1B Bombers Just Got a Ship-Killing Missile — and China Must Wonder if a Day One Strike on Its Navy Is Now in the Cards
The U.S. Air Force validated the AGM-158C Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) on the B-1B Lancer bomber at Dyess Air Force Base on June 2, 2026, giving the Cold War-era bomber a new maritime strike capability. A B-2 Spirit also fired an LRASM during exercise Valiant Shield 26 near the Marianas Islands. The LRASM has a range exceeding 200 nautical miles and a 1,000-pound penetrating fragmentation blast warhead, with an intelligent guidance system. The Air Force plans to buy 114 LRASMs funded by a $738 million budget in FY2027. The integration supports the 'distributed lethality' concept aimed at penetrating China's anti-access/area-denial strategy, potentially enabling a Day One strike against Chinese naval forces.
19FortyFiveAmerica’s B-1B Bombers Just Got a Ship-Killing Missile — and China Must Wonder if a Day One Strike on Its Navy Is Now in the Cards
The U.S. Air Force has validated the integration of the AGM-158C Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) on the B-1B Lancer bomber during a ground test at Dyess Air Force Base on June 2, 2026. This gives the Cold War-era bomber a new maritime strike capability. Separately, a B-2 Spirit bomber fired an LRASM during exercise Valiant Shield 26 near the Marianas Islands. The LRASM has a range exceeding 200 nautical miles and a 1,000-pound penetrating fragmentation warhead, with an intelligent guidance system. The Air Force plans to purchase 114 LRASMs funded by a $738 million budget in FY2027. The integration supports the 'distributed lethality' concept aimed at penetrating China's anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) strategy, potentially enabling a Day One strike against Chinese naval forces.
19FortyFiveAmerica's B-1B Bombers Just Got a Ship-Killing Missile — and China Must Wonder if a Day One Strike on Its Navy Is Now in the Cards
The U.S. Air Force validated the AGM-158C Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) on the B-1B Lancer bomber at Dyess Air Force Base on June 2, 2026, giving the Cold War-era bomber a new maritime strike capability. A B-2 Spirit also fired an LRASM during exercise Valiant Shield 26 near the Marianas Islands. The LRASM has a range exceeding 200 nautical miles and a 1,000-pound penetrating fragmentation blast warhead, with an intelligent guidance system. The Air Force plans to buy 114 LRASMs funded by a $738 million budget in FY2027. The integration supports the 'distributed lethality' concept aimed at penetrating China's anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) strategy, potentially enabling a Day One strike against Chinese naval forces. The Navy would complement this with hunter-killer formations of destroyers, cruisers, and amphibious vessels.
19FortyFiveLRASM Clears Integration Milestone for Use on the B-1B
The U.S. Air Force successfully completed a key integration milestone for the Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) on the B-1B Lancer bomber. The June 2 'event zero' validation test at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, verified the missile's ability to communicate with the bomber using a specially fabricated cable. This test follows a B-2 Spirit firing an LRASM during exercise Valiant Shield 26 near the Marianas Islands, marking the first public acknowledgment of such a launch by a B-2. The Air Force has requested $738 million in its FY2027 budget to purchase 156 LRASMs from Lockheed Martin. Retired Air Force Col. Mark Gunzinger highlighted the weapon's strategic value for striking moving maritime targets, particularly in scenarios like a cross-Taiwan Strait invasion. The LRASM, with a 1,000-pound warhead and range over 200 nautical miles, is also being integrated onto F/A-18E/F, P-8, and F-15 platforms.
Air & Space Forces MagazineB-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber Sinks Ship in Pacific During Missile Test
The United States Air Force announced the successful testing of new maritime strike capabilities for the B-2 Spirit strategic bomber during the Valiant Shield 26 exercises. The stealth bomber deployed LRASM (Long Range Anti-Ship Missile) missiles to destroy a decommissioned surface vessel in a sinking exercise (SINKEX) near the Mariana Islands, close to the U.S. base on Guam. The exercise focused on defending the Second Island Chain. General Kevin B. Schneider, Commander of Pacific Air Forces, stated that prioritizing maritime strike operations maintains a decisive advantage over adversaries and ensures a free and open Pacific. The B-2 Spirit, manufactured by Northrop Grumman, is scheduled to be replaced by the B-21 Raider in the coming years. The U.S. Air Force currently operates nearly 20 B-2 bombers.
Defence24.comU.S. B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber Sinks Ship with LRASM Missiles in Pacific Test
On July 1, 2026, Defence24 reported that the United States Air Force successfully tested new maritime strike capabilities for the B-2 Spirit strategic bomber. During the Valiant Shield 26 exercises near the Mariana Islands, the stealth bomber deployed Long Range Anti-Ship Missiles (LRASM) to destroy a decommissioned vessel in a sinking exercise (SINKEX). The tests focused on defense of the Second Island Chain. General Kevin B. Schneider, Commander of Pacific Air Forces, stated that prioritizing maritime strike operations maintains a decisive advantage over adversaries and ensures a free and open Pacific. The U.S. Air Force operates nearly 20 B-2 Spirits, which are scheduled to be replaced by the B-21 Raider in the coming years.
Defence24.comUS B-2 Spirit Sinks Ship in Pacific During LRASM Missile Test
On July 1, 2026, Defence24 reported that the United States Air Force successfully tested new maritime strike capabilities for the B-2 Spirit strategic bomber during the Valiant Shield 26 exercises in the Pacific. The stealth bomber deployed LRASM (Long Range Anti-Ship Missile) missiles to destroy a decommissioned surface vessel in a sinking exercise (SINKEX) near the Mariana Islands and Guam. The test focused on defending the Second Island Chain. Gen. Kevin B. Schneider, Commander of Pacific Air Forces, stated the capability maintains a decisive advantage over adversaries and ensures a free and open Pacific. The U.S. Air Force operates nearly 20 B-2 Spirits, which are scheduled for replacement by the B-21 Raider in coming years.
Defence24.comUS Air Force Confirms B-2 Stealth Bomber Fired LRASM Anti-Ship Missile for First Time During Exercise Off Guam
The US Air Force publicly confirmed for the first time that its B-2 Spirit stealth bomber employed the AGM-158C Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) during Exercise Valiant Shield 2026. In a sinking exercise (SINKEX) north of Guam, a B-2 launched an LRASM against the decommissioned USS Juneau, with a Japanese submarine delivering the finishing torpedo. The confirmation marks a doctrinal shift, transforming the B-2 from a strategic bomber into a stealthy maritime strike platform capable of penetrating anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) networks. The B-2 can likely carry up to 16 LRASMs internally. Analysts suggest the integration foreshadows similar capability for the upcoming B-21 Raider, which is slated to replace the B-2. This capability is particularly relevant to potential conflict with China, whose naval forces rely on dense escort formations and integrated A2/AD defenses.
19FortyFiveUS Air Force Confirms B-2 Stealth Bomber Fired Anti-Ship Missile for First Time in Guam Exercise
The US Air Force has publicly confirmed for the first time that its Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit stealth bomber can employ the AGM-158C Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM). During Exercise Valiant Shield 2026, a B-2 launched an LRASM against the decommissioned USS Juneau in a multinational sinking exercise (SINKEX) north of Guam. A Japanese submarine ultimately delivered the finishing torpedo. The integration expands the B-2's role from strategic bombing to long-range maritime strike, with implications for penetrating China's anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) networks. The B-2 can carry up to 16 LRASM missiles internally, preserving its stealth characteristics. The announcement also suggests the upcoming B-21 Raider will likely feature similar LRASM integration. The Air Force did not disclose technical details, citing classification, but the development provides a stealthy, long-range option to threaten high-value naval assets in contested environments.
19FortyFiveUS Air Force Confirms B-2 Stealth Bomber Fired LRASM Anti-Ship Missile for First Time During Guam Exercise
The US Air Force publicly confirmed for the first time that the Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit stealth bomber can employ the AGM-158C Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM). During Exercise Valiant Shield 2026, a B-2 launched an LRASM against the decommissioned USS Juneau in a multinational SINKEX north of Guam, with a Japanese submarine delivering the final torpedo. The integration expands the B-2's role from strategic bombing to long-range maritime strike, enabling it to target heavily defended naval formations from within contested airspace. The LRASM, derived from the JASSM family, features autonomous guidance, passive infrared seeker, and onboard target library. The B-2 can carry up to 16 missiles internally while preserving stealth. This capability is particularly relevant for potential conflict with China, whose A2/AD networks and carrier-centric naval strategy are difficult to penetrate. The announcement also suggests the upcoming B-21 Raider will feature similar LRASM integration, reflecting an evolving Air Force doctrine toward stealthy maritime strike platforms.
19FortyFiveB-2 Spirit Fires Anti-Ship Cruise Missile for First Time in Pacific Exercise
On June 27, 2026, a U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit stealth bomber fired an AGM-158C Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) at the decommissioned amphibious transport vessel USS Juneau during Exercise Valiant Shield 26 in the Pacific Ocean north of the Mariana Islands. This marks the first time the U.S. military has publicly acknowledged the B-2 using a purpose-built anti-ship cruise missile. The LRASM, with a range of over 200 nautical miles, significantly expands the bomber's maritime strike capabilities. The SINKEX also involved an F-15E Strike Eagle, U.S. Navy F-35Cs and F/A-18 Super Hornets from the USS George Washington, and a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force submarine. Military leaders described the exercise as a major step forward in countering maritime threats and demonstrating adaptability in the Indo-Pacific region.
Air & Space Forces MagazineB-2 Fires Ship-Killing Cruise Missile, Air Force Reveals First Time Use of LRASM
On June 27, 2026, during Exercise Valiant Shield in the Pacific, a U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit stealth bomber used an AGM-158C Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) to strike the decommissioned USS Juneau, a former amphibious transport dock. This marks the first time the military has acknowledged the B-2's use of the LRASM, significantly expanding the bomber's maritime strike capability. The exercise also involved a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force submarine firing a torpedo at the same target, as well as U.S. Navy F-35Cs and F/A-18s. The sinking was conducted over 200 nautical miles off the Mariana Islands after the vessel was cleaned of hazardous materials. PACAF commander Gen. Kevin B. Schneider highlighted the event as a major step in countering maritime threats and maintaining a decisive edge in the Pacific.
Air & Space Forces MagazineB-2 Spirit Fires Ship-Killing LRASM Missile in Pacific Exercise for the First Time
On June 27, 2026, a U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit stealth bomber fired an AGM-158C Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) at the decommissioned USS Juneau during Exercise Valiant Shield 2026 north of the Mariana Islands. This is the first time the U.S. military has acknowledged the B-2 employing the 200+ nautical mile-range anti-ship cruise missile, marking a significant expansion of the stealth bomber's maritime strike capability. The sinking exercise also involved an F-15E Strike Eagle, U.S. Navy F-35Cs and F/A-18 Super Hornets from the USS George Washington, and a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force submarine that fired a torpedo at the target. Pacific Air Forces commander Gen. Kevin B. Schneider said the exercise demonstrates commitment to countering maritime threats in the Pacific. The B-2 loaded the LRASM at Whiteman Air Force Base on June 22 before deploying to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam.
Air & Space Forces MagazineUS Air Force Reveals B-2 Stealth Bomber Armed with LRASM Anti-Ship Missile in Pacific Exercise
The US Air Force has disclosed that its B-2 Spirit stealth bomber is now capable of deploying the AGM-158C Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM), a capability previously unannounced and unknown outside the service. This revelation came during a live-fire sinking exercise (SINKEX) conducted in the Western Pacific as part of Exercise Valiant Shield 2026. During the exercise, a B-2 successfully fired an LRASM at a stationary surface vessel, the decommissioned USS Juneau, scoring a direct hit. The demonstration transforms America's most survivable bomber into a potent ship-hunter, significantly enhancing its ability to counter Chinese naval threats. The integration of the stealthy missile with the stealth bomber provides a highly survivable and lethal platform. Prior to this, the LRASM was publicly known to be compatible only with the F/A-18 Super Hornet and B-1B Lancer. The Air Force has classified further details regarding the integration timeline and previous testing. The exercise also involved the US Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.
19FortyFiveUS Deploys LRASM Anti-Ship Missile from B-2 Stealth Bomber for First Time in Pacific SINKEX
During Exercise Valiant Shield 2026 in the Western Pacific, a US Air Force B-2 Spirit stealth bomber successfully fired an AGM-158C Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) at a stationary surface vessel, the decommissioned USS Juneau, marking the first time this capability has been publicly demonstrated. The integration of the stealthy, carrier-killer missile with the highly survivable B-2 provides a significant boost to US anti-ship capabilities against potential threats like China. The Pacific Air Forces confirmed the event, which was conducted alongside the US Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. Prior to this exercise, the LRASM was only confirmed compatible with the F/A-18 Super Hornet and B-1B Lancer. The Air Force has declined to provide additional details, citing classification.
19FortyFiveU.S. Secretly Armed B-2 Stealth Bomber with LRASM Anti-Ship Missile, First Test in Pacific
The U.S. Air Force revealed that during Exercise Valiant Shield 2026 in the Western Pacific, a B-2 Spirit stealth bomber successfully fired an AGM-158C Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) at a stationary target for the first time, sinking a decommissioned warship. The integration had never been publicly announced or confirmed. The test, part of a joint live-fire sinking exercise north of the Mariana Islands, demonstrates a new carrier-killer capability for America's most survivable bomber, significantly enhancing its ability to target Chinese surface ships. The exercise also involved the U.S. Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. The Air Force declined to provide details on when or how the integration occurred, classifying the information. The milestone marks a major step forward in countering maritime threats in the Indo-Pacific.
19FortyFiveU.S. Pacific Air Forces Flex B-2 Stealth Bomber LRASM Capability
The U.S. Air Force demonstrated a new long-range maritime strike capability by deploying AGM-158C Long-Range Anti-Ship Missiles (LRASM) from B-2 Spirit stealth bombers during a live-fire sinking exercise as part of Valiant Shield 2026 in the Philippine Sea. Conducted on June 27, 2026, over the Mariana Island Range Complex, the exercise showcased the B-2's ability to engage maritime targets from the U.S. homeland. Gen. Kevin B. Schneider, Commander of Pacific Air Forces, emphasized that prioritizing counter-maritime strike operations maintains a decisive edge over adversaries in the Pacific. The LRASM, with a range over 200 nautical miles and a 1,000-pound warhead, marks a significant upgrade from Cold War-era Harpoon missiles. This capability is viewed as crucial for potential conflicts with China's expanding navy. Integration of LRASM on other platforms such as P-8, F-35, and F-15EX is underway.
Naval NewsU.S. Pacific Air Forces Flex B-2 Stealth Bomber LRASM Capability
The U.S. Air Force demonstrated a new long-range maritime strike capability by deploying AGM-158C Long-Range Anti-Ship Missiles (LRASM) from B-2 Spirit stealth bombers during Exercise Valiant Shield 2026 in the Philippine Sea. The live-fire sinking exercise, conducted on June 27, 2026, highlighted the B-2's ability to project global maritime strike power from the U.S. homeland. General Kevin B. Schneider, commander of Pacific Air Forces, emphasized this capability maintains a decisive edge over adversaries in the Pacific, with implicit reference to China. The LRASM, derived from the JASSM, has a range over 200 nautical miles and a 1000-pound warhead. While currently integrated on F/A-18E/F and B-1B, integration with P-8, F-35, and F-15EX is underway. The demonstration comes amid U.S. military modernization to counter China's expanding navy and air defenses, and coincides with the Air Force's search for a next-generation missile family with 1,000-nautical-mile range.
Naval NewsU.S. Pacific Air Forces Flex B-2 Stealth Bomber LRASM Capability
The U.S. Air Force demonstrated a new long-range maritime strike capability by equipping B-2 Spirit stealth bombers with AGM-158C Long-Range Anti-Ship Missiles (LRASM) during a live-fire sinking exercise as part of Valiant Shield 2026 in the Philippine Sea on June 27, 2026. The exercise, highlighted by Pacific Air Forces Commander Gen. Kevin B. Schneider, aims to maintain a decisive edge over adversaries like China. The LRASM, derived from the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile, boasts a range over 200 nautical miles and a 1,000-pound warhead, with low-observable features. The B-2, previously demonstrated in the U.S.-Iran War and with the Quicksink bomb in Norway, enhances strategic reach from the U.S. homeland. The article also notes integration efforts of LRASM on F/A-18E/F, B-1B, P-8, F-35, and F-15EX platforms, and the Air Force's pursuit of a next-generation 1,000-nautical-mile missile family under the 'Long-Range Kill Chain' concept.
Naval NewsAir Force Discloses B-2 Can Launch Stealth Anti-Ship Missiles In Surprise Announcement
The U.S. Air Force revealed that a B-2 Spirit bomber successfully fired an AGM-158C Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) during a live-fire sinking exercise (SINKEX) north of the Mariana Islands as part of Exercise Valiant Shield 2026. The integration of the stealthy LRASM onto the B-2 was not previously disclosed, marking a significant capability boost. The missile struck the decommissioned ex-USS Juneau, which was also hit by a Japanese submarine torpedo. The LRASM, derived from the JASSM family, provides the B-2 with a penetrating fleet-killing capability, especially valuable in a potential Pacific conflict. The Air Force has classified details of the integration, and the missile was previously only cleared on F/A-18s and B-1s, with integration ongoing for other platforms.
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