US reveals new stealth nuclear missiles on Cold War bomber — the second show of force in a week

The U.S. military was spotted testing a new stealth nuclear weapon on a Cold War–era B-52 bomber last week, just as the Air Force prepared for a separate trial of its Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile.

A B-52H Stratofortress was photographed flying over California’s Owens Valley on October 29, carrying what appeared to be AGM-181A Long-Range Standoff (LRSO) nuclear cruise missiles, according to The Aviationist. The image, captured by aviation photographer Ian Recchio, showed the bomber at a low altitude with unfamiliar missiles under its wings that closely resembled official renderings of the LRSO.

Although the Air Force has not confirmed the specific weapon seen in the photo, the B-52 remains a cornerstone of America’s nuclear triad—alongside land-based ICBMs and submarine-launched ballistic missiles—providing the capability to deliver nuclear strikes from air, land, or sea.

A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress flying with two units of an unidentified weapon under its right wing. — The American bomber was pictured carrying an unidentified weapon, which appeared to match renderings of America’s newest nuclear missile. Ian Recchio (@lookunderocks)

The AGM-181A, still undergoing development and testing, is designed to replace the aging AGM-86B Air-Launched Cruise Missile. The next-generation stealth weapon is expected to enhance America’s long-range deterrence capabilities amid expanding nuclear arsenals in Russia and China.

The sighting came just days before the Air Force conducted another test of its Minuteman III missile early Wednesday morning, demonstrating the readiness of the nation’s land-based nuclear forces. Together with the Navy’s Trident submarine-launched missiles, these systems complete the United States’ nuclear triad—ensuring a credible deterrent in the event of a nuclear confrontation.

An unarmed Minuteman III Intercontinental Ballistic Missile launching during an operational test. — The US fired a test launch of its Minuteman III Intercontinental Ballistic Missile on Wednesday. Space Launch Delta 30

Renewed testing activity has taken on added significance following President Trump’s recent directive for the U.S. to restart atomic weapons testing. The decision followed reports that Moscow had conducted another trial of its nuclear-powered Burevestnik cruise missile, a weapon Russian President Vladimir Putin described as “invincible” and capable of striking targets anywhere on Earth.

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