U.S. Air Force Says B-2 Bomber Can Now Launch Anti-Ship Missiles

The U.S. Air Force announced Monday that its B-2 Spirit stealth bomber can now strike enemy warships with the Long Range Anti-Ship Missile after a live-fire test in the Western Pacific. The bomber launched the missile during Exercise Valiant Shield 26, a multinational drill that included a sinking exercise north of the Mariana Islands.

U.S. and partner forces struck the decommissioned amphibious warfare ship USS Juneau on June 27 and 28. The vessel sank more than 200 nautical miles off Guam in the Philippine Sea after a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force submarine delivered the final torpedo strike.

Gen. Kevin B. Schneider, commander of Pacific Air Forces, said the B-2's performance shows the U.S. military's commitment to adaptability. He added that prioritizing counter-maritime strike operations helps maintain an edge over adversaries and protects a free and open Pacific.

The USS Juneau entered service in 1969, served in the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm, and was decommissioned in 2008. The B-2 remains the Air Force's only operational stealth bomber and previously flew from Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, to strike Iranian nuclear facilities during Operation Midnight Hammer. The LRASM is already carried by the B-1B Lancer and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet.

The B-21 Raider, expected to enter service in 2027, is designed to employ a range of stand-off munitions. Fox News reported the announcement comes as the Pentagon prepares for potential Indo-Pacific conflict, where the People's Liberation Army Navy operates more than 370 battle force ships and is projected to reach roughly 435 by 2030 compared with the U.S. Navy's 291.