US Air Force Unveils New Anti-Ship Capability for B-2 Stealth Bombers in Pacific Drill
The US Air Force has revealed a new capability for its B-2 Spirit stealth bombers to strike enemy warships using the long-range anti-ship missile LRASM. This capability was publicly demonstrated during the multinational "Valiant Shield 26" exercise in the Western Pacific, where a B-2 successfully launched a missile that sank a decommissioned warship in the Philippine Sea. The final destruction of the target was completed by a Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force submarine using a torpedo.
This development enhances the B-2's operational versatility amid growing US strategic focus on the Indo-Pacific region and the rapid expansion of the Chinese navy. The combination of the B-2's stealth features with long-range anti-ship missiles aims to enable strikes on high-value maritime targets even within heavily defended airspace.
General Kevin B. Schneider, commander of Pacific Air Forces, emphasized that the B-2's impressive performance reflects the US military's commitment to adaptability against evolving security challenges. The US sees this capability as critical to maintaining operational advantage and protecting its interests in the region.
China's naval buildup is a major concern for the Pentagon, with projections estimating the Chinese navy will grow to about 435 warships by 2030, surpassing the US Navy's estimated 291 vessels. Meanwhile, China has yet to publicly reveal its own stealth bomber, the H-20, leaving the US with a current edge in combining stealth bombers with long-range maritime strike capabilities.
The B-2 Spirit remains the only operational stealth bomber in the US Air Force, capable of penetrating advanced air defenses while carrying conventional and nuclear weapons. It recently participated in the "Midnight Hammer" operation targeting Iranian nuclear facilities with 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs. The new anti-ship missile capability is also expected to be integrated into the next-generation B-21 Raider stealth bomber, which will gradually replace the B-2 fleet in the coming years.
