U.S. Military Tests New Stealth Nuclear Weapon
Last week, the U.S. military conducted a test involving a new stealth nuclear weapon on a Cold War-era bomber. This action coincided with preparations by the Air Force for testing the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile.
A B-52H Stratofortress was spotted flying over Owens Valley in California on October 29. Photographs taken during the flight showed rockets under its wings, which appeared similar to a rendering of the AGM-181A long-range standoff nuclear cruise missile, as noted by an aviation source.
While independent verification of the specific missiles on board the aircraft wasn’t possible, the B-52 remains a crucial component of the U.S. nuclear triad, capable of launching strategic weapons from various platforms including land, sea, and air.
Aerial photographer Ian Recchio was in Owens Valley on that day and captured the B-52H flying at a low altitude, prompting him to take a photo.
Experts in the aviation field indicated that upon closer inspection, the weapons carried by the aircraft resembled designs that had been released earlier this year, representing the latest in the Air Force’s long-range stealth nuclear capabilities.
This missile, currently undergoing testing, is intended to replace the older AGM-86B air-launched cruise missile, thus modernizing the U.S. nuclear arsenal amidst increasing armament from Russia and China.
The sighting of the bomber occurred just a week prior to the U.S. conducting a test launch of its Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile. This test focuses on the second phase of America’s nuclear deterrent strategy, which is specifically aimed at countering a potential nuclear attack by other nations.
The U.S. nuclear capabilities also include Trident missiles, which can be launched from Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines.
Testing of the nuclear triad has gained significance recently following an order from President Trump to resume nuclear weapons testing. This directive emerged amidst Russia’s announcement of a successful test of the nuclear-powered Burevestnik cruise missile, which President Vladimir Putin referred to as “invincible,” capable of targeting any location worldwide.
