The US Air Force (USAF) has awarded two separate contracts, totalling $1.8bn, to Lockheed Martin and Raytheon to develop design concepts and technologies for the service’s new long-range standoff (LRSO) weapon.

Each Technical Maturation and Risk Reduction (TMRR) contract will run for a 54-month period and enable the USAF to replace the ageing AGM-86B air-launched cruise missile (ALCM) with modernised weapon capabilities for the nuclear bomber fleet.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

USAF secretary Heather Wilson said: "This weapon will modernise the air-based leg of the nuclear triad.

“Deterrence works if our adversaries know that we can hold, at risk, things they value. This weapon will enhance our ability to do so, and we must modernise it cost-effectively.”

First deployed in the early-1980s, the ALCM will continue to face increasingly significant operational challenges against emerging threats and reliability challenges until replaced, the USAF stated.

The LRSO weapon system, which is an important part of the nuclear triad, will ensure the bomber force continues to hold high-value targets at risk in an evolving threat environment, including targets deep within an area-denied environment.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.
"The ALCM will continue to face increasingly significant operational challenges against emerging threats and reliability challenges until replaced."

The TMRR phase of the programme focuses on improving technologies, systems, and subsystems for the weapon programme.

Upon completion of the TMRR phase, the programme is expected to enter the engineering, manufacturing and development phase in 2022.

The Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center will choose a single contractor for the engineering and manufacturing development, as well as production and deployment phases of the programme.

The airforce is expected to begin fielding LRSO in the late-2020s.

Image: AGM-86 ALCM being loaded on a B-52 Stratofortress. Photo: courtesy of senior airman Kristoffer Kaubisch or senior airman Andrew Crawford.