B-2 Spirit stealth bombers of the US Air Force recently participated in a maritime strike training exercise in collaboration with US Navy jet fighters off the Californian coast. This drill involved aircraft from Carrier Air Wing 11, which is attached to the USS Theodore Roosevelt (one of the longest-serving aircraft carriers), alongside at least one B-2 bomber from the USAF’s 509th Bomb Wing operating out of Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri. While the USAF confirmed the exercise, specific dates were not disclosed.
The focus of this drill was on executing integrated maritime strike operations—tasks that involve multiple aircraft types coordinating to target maritime objectives. An important element included the introduction of the AIM-174B “Gunslinger” missile—a $2 billion air-launched weapon derived from the Navy’s SM-6 interceptor—loaded on two Navy F/A-18E/F Super Hornets participating in the exercise.
While such drills are standard procedure for both the Navy and Air Force, this event drew attention due to its emphasis on the newly introduced AIM-174B missile and the evolving mission profiles of strategic bombers like the B-2 in naval warfare.
Overall, exercises like this provide military strategists with a chance to evaluate the interoperability of long-range weaponry, stealth platforms, and naval aviation assets in complex operational scenarios aimed at bolstering the defense of US military resources.
Introducing the Gunslinger
The AIM-174B “Gunslinger” is not a newly designed weapon but rather a modified adaptation of the Navy’s Standard Missile-6 (SM-6). Developed by Raytheon, the SM-6 is a versatile missile capable of various roles, including anti-aircraft warfare, ballistic missile defense, and attacking surface and land targets from significant distances (estimated to be around 230 miles).
Effectively, the Gunslinger mirrors the SM-6 missile but is configured for aerial launches. Formally referred to as the SM-6 AIM-174B Air Launch Capability, this system is tailored for use with the F-18 Super Hornet, which is recognized as one of the fastest US fighter jets active today. This alliance grants carrier-based Navy fighters access to a long-range missile option that surpasses traditional air-to-air missile capabilities.
The missile boasts a larger frame compared to many air-to-air counterparts, measuring over 15 feet in length and weighing nearly a ton, which facilitates a more advanced propulsion system and a bigger warhead. The outcome is a novel addition to the Navy’s arsenal that equips its fighter jets with the means to tackle threats from much greater distances.
The B-2’s Role in Naval Warfare Training
Initially, the collaboration between naval forces and the B-2 Spirit might appear unusual, given that the B-2 is primarily recognized for its role in precision strikes on land targets, often undertaking missions extending over 30 hours. Nevertheless, this exercise illustrates the military’s growing interest in repurposing the B-2 for targeting maritime threats.
One significant initiative in this regard is the USAF’s QUICKSINK program, which gives existing weapon systems the capability to engage moving naval targets. By modifying typical munitions with precision guidance features, this program enables aircraft to strike and potentially sink hostile vessels, presenting a cost-effective method to enhance the military’s anti-ship capabilities without necessitating the development of new, specialized missiles.
This isn’t the first time the B-2 has participated in such endeavors. For example, in September 2025, a B-2 bomber from Whiteman Air Force Base took part in a joint exercise with Norwegian F-35 fighters in the North Atlantic, which involved maritime strike operations utilizing a QUICKSINK weapon.
