Weapons

US Air Force Calls on Defense Firms for New Nuclear Cruise Missiles

On Friday, the Air Force released a statement that calls on defense contracting firms to submit bids to design and build a new nuclear missile known as the Long-Range Standoff Weapon (LRSO).

"The LRSO weapon system will be a cost-effective force multiplier for B-52, B-2, and B-21 aircraft to credibly deter adversaries and assures US allies of our deterrent capabilities," the statement said.

"LRSO is a critical element of the United States’ nuclear deterrence strategy," Maj. Gen. Scott Jansson, commander of the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center and Air Force program executive officer for strategic systems, told Defense One.