The US Air Force (USAF) Nuclear Weapons Centre has awarded Boeing a USD250 million contract to integrate the Long Range Stand-Off (LRSO) cruise missile weapon system to replace AGM-86 ALCM (Air-Launched Cruise Missile). The LRSO is expected to be fielded in the B-52H large-payload multirole strategic bomber aircraft in the 2030 timeframe.

Boeing will undertake aircraft and missile carriage equipment development and modification, and full integration and testing of the LRSO for the USAF fleet of B-52H platforms. The programme is expected to be completed by 31 December 2024.

The LRSO is a developmental, nuclear-capable cruise missile concept that is being proposed as a significantly enhanced replacement for the currently fielded AGM-86 Air-Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM). Both conventional and nuclear variants of the LRSO weapon are required to reach initial operational capability before the retirement of their respective ALCM versions – around 2030.