Bombers to take on fighter jets? US Air Force explores new combat role for B-21 Raider

The US Air Force is considering a new role for its bombers. That is to use bombers fight enemy aircraft and support air-superiority missions, alongside conventional fighters and unmanned combat aircraft. The possibility is part of a wider review of the service’s future force structure, which includes expanding its fighter fleet, increasing the use of Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) drones and examining additional ways to generate air-combat capacity. The latest fighter force structure report submitted to Congress identifies developing air-to-air capabilities on bombers as one option under consideration, according to Aviation Week.The B-21 Raider, the US Air Force’s next-generation stealth bomber, could be central to this concept. Its long range, low-observable design, high operating ceiling, advanced sensors and payload capacity could allow it to perform missions beyond conventional bombing. One possibility is to equip the aircraft with long-range air-to-air missiles, enabling it to engage hostile aircraft.