B-2 Bombers Meet 'Gunslinger' Missiles In Impressive US Navy Drill

Why It Matters

Joint testing expands U.S. long‑range maritime strike options and validates the B‑2’s anti‑ship potential, strengthening deterrence across services.

Key Takeaways

• B‑2 bombers joined Carrier Air Wing 11 in California drill.
• Navy tested air‑launched AIM‑174B “Gunslinger” on Super Hornets.
• Gunslinger derived from SM‑6, 230‑mile range, ~1‑ton weight.
• Exercise showcases B‑2’s emerging anti‑ship role via QUICKSINK.
• Joint testing improves U.S. long‑range maritime strike integration.

Pulse Analysis

The integration of the B‑2 Spirit into a carrier‑based maritime strike scenario reflects a strategic evolution in U.S. force projection. Historically confined to deep‑strike land targets, the B‑2’s stealth, payload capacity, and endurance now enable it to act as a high‑altitude launch platform for anti‑ship weapons. By embedding the bomber within a Navy carrier air wing, planners can synchronize long‑range sensors and weapons, creating a layered threat envelope that complicates adversary planning and extends the reach of both services.

At the heart of the drill is the AIM‑174B “Gunslinger,” a repurposed SM‑6 missile adapted for air launch. Leveraging the SM‑6’s multi‑role propulsion and guidance, the Gunslinger offers roughly 230 miles of range and a one‑ton warhead, dramatically surpassing conventional air‑to‑air missiles. When mounted on F/A‑18E/F Super Hornets, the missile grants carrier fighters the ability to engage surface targets far beyond the horizon, effectively turning strike fighters into stand‑off anti‑ship platforms without sacrificing air‑to‑air capability. This flexibility aligns with the Navy’s push for modular, high‑value munitions that can be fielded across multiple platforms.

The broader implication is a more cost‑effective, interoperable strike architecture. Rather than procuring dedicated anti‑ship aircraft, the U.S. can leverage existing assets—B‑2s, F‑18s, and adaptable missiles—to cover a spectrum of maritime threats. This approach reduces acquisition spend while enhancing joint readiness, a critical factor as peer competitors expand their naval capabilities. As the QUICKSINK program matures, the B‑2 may regularly serve as a launch hub for low‑cost, precision anti‑ship munitions, reinforcing U.S. deterrence and ensuring that both air and sea domains remain tightly integrated.