Follows Discussions of Next-Gen Air Dominance Fleet Requirements

In the midst of discussions and delays with the US Air Force’s Next-Generation Air Dominance fighter program, officials have opened up the possibility of purchasing several additional B-21 Raider bombers. This would redirect funding from expensive 6th generation jets to expanding the bomber fleet. 

Currently, USAF is working to complete a congress-mandated force structure review while simultaneously evaluating its NGAD program. This was ordered after Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall paused NGAD before a design choice could be finalized.

The reason for the delay stems from the incredibly high cost of developing and purchasing even one sixth-generation fighter. Kendall would prefer that the Air Force not spend over the cost of an F-35, around $100 million, on a single jet.

If the decision goes Kendall’s way, the Air Force would save tens of billions of dollars. The funding could then be redirected to expand other fleets, like the B-21 stealth bomber.

Just a few months ago, Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin stated that he wanted to purchase no more than 100 B-21s. He explained that, with the amount of time it would take Northrop to manufacture the set, a new and improved design could surface. However, other officials have strongly advocated for the Raider’s capabilities.

“If you take a look at the real world operating requirements the Air Force has, [planners] fully understand that the Air Force’s combat capacity must grow,” stated retired Col. Mark Gunzinger. Modern adversaries drive “requirements for longer range capabilities, larger payloads, and capabilities that can operate in degraded, highly contested threat environments. That is a prescription for penetrating bombers.”

This statement doesn’t mean that Gunzinger would choose the B-21 over NGAD, though. Advanced fighters are required to ensure that the bomber can hit its target and return undamaged.

“I don’t think the capabilities they’re looking for in NGAD would mean that they could trade off NGAD for B-21 or vice versa,” Gunzinger continued. “The fact is, the Air Force is so small and so old, it needs both, and it needs them in quantity.”

FMI: www.airforce.com