Deputy Defense Secretary William Lynn told a defense business conference in New York last week, “Without question, our offense against the Taliban and al Qaeda depends on airpower.” He praised industry’s partnership with DOD to develop the aerospace technology that now provides actionable intelligence within minutes to commanders. He also noted the contributions of combat air patrols and search and rescue teams to directly support the ground warfighters. And, citing the difficulty of operating in a “landlocked nation with few workable roads, he said that “helicopter lift and cargo aircraft make possible almost everything we do—from dumps of food, fuel, and ammunition to maneuver support.” (AFPS report by Donna Miles)
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.
