The 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron just flew 18 hours non-stop in the latest Koa Lightning exercise, reports MSgt. Art Webb. The B-52 bombers that deployed from Barksdale AFB, La., flew from Andersen AFB, Guam to Hickam AFB, Hawaii, and back to participate in scenarios meant to enhance their combat skills as well as test the endurance of aircrews. Koa Lightning included flights where aircrews faked taking on ground targets in Hawaii so they could practice defensive moves while simulating bomb dropping.
The rate of building B-21 bombers would speed up if the fiscal 2026 defense budget passes. But it remains unclear how much capacity would be added, and whether the Air Force would simply build the bombers faster, or buy more.