LDK 0.3 RC2 Expands Bitcoin Lightning Splicing and BOLT 12

Rust-Lightning, also known as Lightning Development Kit (LDK), has progressed from version 0.3-rc1 to 0.3-rc2 for Bitcoin Lightning Network developers and node operators. LDK 0.3 adds broader splicing support, including replacement-by-fee (RBF) for pending splices and the ability to add and remove funds in one transaction. It also expands asynchronous signing through EcdsaChannelSigner interfaces. The release introduces LSPS1, BOLT 12 payer proofs, phantom-node offers, payment metadata, authenticated blinded-path improvements and more flexible HTLC interception. Routing and payment monitoring now provide additional fee, probe and forwarded-HTLC details. Anchor channels and zero-fee HTLC transactions are favored by default, while some older channel and configuration options have changed or been removed. LDK 0.3 also raises the minimum supported Rust version to rustc 1.75. Parallel channel-monitor loading, improved blockchain synchronization and fixes for gossip, reorganisations, funding tracking and splice events should improve node reliability and startup performance. Bitcoin Lightning operators should review migration requirements before deployment. BOLT 11 invoices containing payment metadata may become invalid after upgrading or downgrading. Unclaimed BOLT 12 refunds, some pending BOLT 12 payments and payments using older blinded paths may not carry over. Downgrades can also fail when splices, zero-reserve channels or certain payment features are active. The release is unlikely to directly move Bitcoin prices, but it could support long-term Lightning adoption while creating short-term operational risk for node providers.