Aviation photographer Ian Recchio has captured what appears to be a significant military development. On October 29, while photographing military aircraft over California's Owen Valley, Recchio spotted a US Air Force B-52H Stratofortress. The aircraft was seen carrying two unidentified units under its right wing, sparking speculation about their nature.

The images, which have gained considerable attention online, suggest that the missile could be the AGM-181 Long Range Stand Off Weapon (LRSO). This next-generation stealth nuclear cruise missile is currently under development by the Air Force. According to The Aviationist, the weapons observed on the B-52 closely resemble earlier depictions of the LRSO.

The B-52, a stalwart of the US military for nearly 70 years, is known for its long-range strategic capabilities. The aircraft in the photographs displayed classic orange markings typically associated with test flights, indicating that it may have been involved in trials for new weaponry.

While the exact identity of the missile remains unverified, the AGM-181 LRSO is designed to replace the older AGM-86 ALCM, a subsonic air-launched cruise missile. This development comes at a time when the US is reportedly modernising its nuclear arsenal in response to increasing threats from nations such as Russia and China. The ongoing updates to the US military's capabilities reflect a strategic shift in addressing global security challenges.