The Air Force intends to put its concept for a future long-range intelligence-reconnaissance-surveillance/strike platform to the test with modifications to the B-1B bomber. “That is what is envisioned for the future arsenal of the Air Force: an aircraft that includes ISR, directed energy, and network attack,” explained Col. Charles Sherwin, 427th Aircraft Sustainment Group commander at Tinker AFB, Okla. He added that “all” of these capabilities “are being integrated or demonstrated” on the B-1B in the immediate future. Under the electric laser on a large aircraft initiative, the service plans to install a directed energy weapon on the B-1. “In effect,” said Sherwin, “uniting this capability” with the Sniper targeting pod already on the bomber will make the B-1 “a first- generation” long-range ISR/strike aircraft. (Tinker report by Brandice J. Armstrong)
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.
