The US Air Force is reviewing potential roles for bombers, including air-superiority missions. Increasing air-to-air capabilities for bombers is one option under consideration. The B-21 Raider is expected to play a key role in these future missions. Plans also include expanding the fighter fleet and greater reliance on Collaborative Combat Aircraft. The service aims to enhance combat capacity while addressing existing challenges with aging fighter fleets.
The US Air Force is considering a new role for its bombers. That is to use bombers fight enemy aircraft and support air-superiority missions, alongside conventional fighters and unmanned combat aircraft. The possibility is part of a wider review of the service’s future force structure, which includes expanding its fighter fleet, increasing the use of Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) drones and examining additional ways to generate air-combat capacity. The latest fighter force structure report submitted to Congress identifies developing air-to-air capabilities on bombers as one option under consideration, according to Aviation Week.The B-21 Raider, the US Air Force’s next-generation stealth bomber, could be central to this concept. Its long range, low-observable design, high operating ceiling, advanced sensors and payload capacity could allow it to perform missions beyond conventional bombing. One possibility is to equip the aircraft with long-range air-to-air missiles, enabling it to engage hostile aircraft. The concept is under consideration.
End of Article