The US Air Force has showcased its first concept image of the AGM-181 Long-Range Standoff missile, a nuclear cruise missile planned for deployment on both B-21 and B-52 bombers.
Raytheon secured the $2-billion development contract in 2021. The AGM-181 is poised to replace the aging AGM-86B, though most operational specifications remain classified.
Total costs were estimated at $16 billion in 2022, with a further $7 billion earmarked for maintenance and sustainment. Each missile is expected to cost $14 million.
