Long Range Standoff Weapon

Also known as

LRSO
Long Range Stand-Off Weapon
Long Range Standoff Weapon

Long Range Standoff Weapon is a U.S. Air Force nuclear air-launched cruise missile in development to replace the AGM-86B Air Launched Cruise Missile. The Air Force describes it as a survivable standoff weapon with modular open-system architecture for legacy and future bomber aircraft including the B-52 and B-21.

Long Range Standoff Weapon, Air-launched cruise missile, Munitions

Image source: Long Range Standoff Weapon

Profile / Specs

Profile

Origin: United States
Built by: Raytheon
Type: Air-launched cruise missile
Service note: 2020s-present development
Developed from: AGM-86B Air Launched Cruise Missile

air-launched cruise missile nuclearstand-off strikestrategic deterrence

Specifications

Role: Survivable nuclear standoff cruise missile
Replacement: Intended to replace the AGM-86B Air Launched Cruise Missile
Launch platforms: Legacy and future bomber aircraft including the B-52 and B-21
Architecture: Modular open-system architecture
Program status: Engineering and manufacturing development and developmental testing

Compatible Aircraft

Compatible item

Item type

Compatibility evidence

B-21 Raider, Stealth strategic bomber, Aircraft & UAVs

Stealth bomber

The FY 2026 DoD weapons budget says LRSO, combined with nuclear-capable bombers including the B-21, provides the nuclear triad.

Sources: FY 2026 Program Acquisition Costs by Weapon System

Service And Conflict Use

Service History

In service: Engineering and manufacturing development began in 2021, and the program remains in developmental testing.
Used by: United States Air Force

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Sources

Long Range Standoff WeaponPublisher: Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center | Note: Supports official program background, survivable nuclear cruise-missile role, launch-platform context, modular open-system architecture, and the official render used for the image. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 Air Force selects single contractor for long-range standoff nuclear weaponPublisher: Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center | Note: Supports the 2021 contractor selection and Raytheon prime-contractor background for the program. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 FY 2026 Program Acquisition Costs by Weapon SystemPublisher: Office of the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) | Note: Supports the FY 2026 budget context that LRSO, combined with nuclear-capable bombers including the B-21, provides the nuclear triad. | Accessed: 2026-06-27