US Air Force modernises legacy bombers while B-21 Raider enters service
The US Air Force is funding upgrades to its older bomber fleet as it moves toward a two-bomber force of B-21 Raiders and B-52J Stratofortresses, according to a report.
The US Air Force is working toward a two-bomber fleet built around the Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider and the Boeing B-52J Stratofortress, according to an account of the service's plans. Until then, the legacy Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit and Rockwell B-1 Lancer are being kept in service longer to avoid a gap in capability.
The B-2 remains the only fully combat-ready stealth bomber in the world until the B-21 is fielded in full numbers. The Air Force recently committed nearly $1.7 billion to modernise the legacy fleet through the late 2030s.
Sources
- simpleflying.comWhy America's Oldest Strategic Bombers Are More Valuable Than Ever