US Navy seeks sole-source deal to fit LRASM on B-52H bombers

The US Navy has released a solicitation to integrate Lockheed Martin's AGM-158C Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile on the US Air Force's B-52H bomber fleet, which would give the Stratofortress a maritime strike role.

The notice is dated 7 October. It signals that the service intends to award the integration work to Lockheed's Missiles and Fire Control unit on a sole-source basis. Naval Air Systems Command said in the solicitation that the unit alone holds the knowledge, experience and technical data needed to meet the government's requirements within the required timeframe, and is the only known qualified source.

The effort covers LRASM software updates, related testing, repair of test assets and failure review boards, according to the solicitation. No cost or schedule has been settled, as a firm agreement on the project has not been reached. Lockheed has until 22 October to respond.

The company declined to discuss specifics of the B-52 integration. It said it remains committed to supporting customers on current and future LRASM platform integration efforts intended to improve combat readiness and capability, pointing to its work with the carrier-capable F-35C stealth fighter, a campaign that completed its first stage of flight testing in June.

The AGM-158C is regarded as a key weapon in any conflict in the Pacific region. Bombers are typically used to deliver large volumes of ordnance against land targets, and the Pentagon is looking to widen the B-52's mission set to include the anti-ship weapon. The B-2 stealth bomber has also deployed the missile, though that employment is not officially certified.