The U.S. Air Force is considering deploying bombers in air-to-air combat to strengthen its fighter force.
The War Zone reports the development, citing a U.S.Air Force report to Congress.
The approach is being considered as part of planning for the future composition of the aircraft fleet and exploring additional capabilities to counter China’s air forces.
The U.S. Air Force plans to have 1,509 combat aircraft in its operational fleet by 2035. At the same time, the service estimates its total requirement at 1,723 aircraft.
Achieving the planned fleet size will depend on stable funding, the rate at which new aircraft are produced, and the industry’s ability to deliver the required numbers.
One option being considered is using the next-generation B-21 Raider stealth bomber in air combat. Its long range, stealth capabilities, large payload capacity, and advanced sensors could allow it to perform not only ground-strike missions but also air-to-air combat roles.
The bombers could carry long-range air-to-air missiles or a large number of smaller missiles.
In this role, bombers could engage aerial targets at long distances while operating alongside fighter jets and other platforms. However, the U.S. military noted in the report that it is evaluating several options to expand its air combat capabilities.
These include buying additional fighter jets and using Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) drones more often.
The U.S. military has not yet specified which bombers could receive these capabilities, what weapons they would carry, or when work on the initiative might begin.
In recent years, the Pentagon has been actively developing capabilities to counter Chinese air power. This is reflected in the weapons being introduced into U.S. military aviation, including the AIM-260, AIM-174, and AIM-424 Malice missiles, as well as the prospective Air Force Long Range Weapon – a missile with a range of at least 1,850km.
Militarnyi previously reported that the U.S. Air Force was preparing to hold a closed-door meeting with defense contractors to outline requirements for a new very-long-range air-to-air missile.
Source: Militaryni
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