The recent decision to move the in-service date for a next-generation bomber to 2018, announced in the QDR, is a good thing, Blechman added. The change creates motivation simply did not exist when the target date for a new system was the seemingly arbitrary 2038. The drawback of acceleration, he noted, is that advanced capabilities such as hypersonics will probably not be realistic options for this next-generation bomber.
Congress Wants More Insight into Golden Dome Budget
Jan. 21, 2026
Lawmakers told Pentagon leaders they want more details about how the Defense Department plans to spend the $23 billion Congress provide to support Golden Dome in last year’s reconciliation deal.
