US’ 8,800-mile-range B-52 bombers could get armed with ship-killing missiles

What happened

Plans are afoot to integrate the Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) into the payload of the United States Navy’s fleet of B-52 “Stratofortresses.” The AGM-158C LRASM, in case you are unaware, is a stealthy, air-launched cruise missile.

According to reports, the Navy will contract Lockheed Martin to make this a reality. The plan, it seems, is to effectively turn B-52s into long-range, flying anti-ship missile silos.

This would provide some interesting tactical options for the Navy, especially for conflicts with rivals, like China. First developed in the 1950s, this aircraft has an enormous weapon payload capacity and intercontinental range.