USAF Confirms Bombers Could Have A Major Air-To-Air Combat Role

Summary

The U.S. Air Force has officially confirmed it is evaluating the expansion of air-to-air combat capabilities for its bomber fleet, including the advanced B-21 Raider, as part of a broader long-term fighter force structure plan submitted to Congress. The service's primary objective is to field 1,509 combat-coded fighters by 2035, a significant increase from current numbers, to be achieved through acquisitions of F-35As, F-15EXs, and F-47s, though officials acknowledge considerable hurdles in reaching this goal. To supplement potential shortfalls in fighter capacity, the Air Force is exploring supplementary options including a new capacity fighter, expanded use of Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) drones, and developing air-to-air capabilities within its bomber fleet. The B-21 Raider is considered particularly well-suited for air-to-air roles due to its exceptional range, high operating ceiling, broadband stealth technology, large payload capacity, and advanced sensor suite, potentially working in coordination with CCA drones. This concept is not entirely new, as Air Force leadership has been openly discussing the possibility of bombers serving in multi-mission air combat roles since at least 2019, and the idea has gained renewed momentum as the service works to address growing fighter capacity concerns.