U.S. strategic bomber

Key Chapter Title List

1. Conventional and Nuclear Missions
2. U.S. Strategic Bomber Fleet
3. B-52 Stratofortress
4. B-1B Lancer
5. B-2 Spirit
6. B-21 Raider
7. Potential Issues for Congress
8. B-21 Fleet Size and Air Force Budget
9. Restoring Bomber Alert Status
10. Base Hardening

Document Introduction

This report, based on professional analysis from the U.S. Congressional Research Service (CRS), systematically examines the current status, evolution, and future planning of the U.S. strategic bomber force. As the "most flexible and visible" component of the U.S. nuclear triad and a key platform for conventional long-range precision strike, strategic bombers play an irreplaceable role in maintaining U.S. global deterrence and power projection capabilities. The report focuses on the three active heavy bombers—the B-52, B-1B, and B-2—as well as the next-generation B-21 Raider stealth bomber under development, analyzing their mission capabilities, modernization upgrade programs, and positioning within the broader national defense strategy framework.

The report details the specific parameters, deployment status, and upgrade plans for each bomber type. The B-52 Stratofortress, a classic aircraft in service for nearly seventy years, is undergoing extensive life extension and performance enhancement through the Commercial Engine Replacement Program (CERP) and the Radar Modernization Program (RMP), with plans to integrate the new Long-Range Standoff (LRSO) cruise missile. The B-1B Lancer is now dedicated solely to conventional missions and possesses the largest conventional weapons payload in the U.S. military. The B-2 Spirit, as the current stealth bomber, possesses dual nuclear and conventional capabilities and is undergoing continuous maintenance upgrades for its stealth and communication systems. The B-21 Raider under development is designed as a penetrating strike stealth bomber with an open systems architecture and is expected to form the backbone of the future bomber fleet.

The report delves into a series of key policy and resource issues facing the U.S. Congress and defense decision-makers. One core debate revolves around the procurement scale of the B-21. The Air Force plans to acquire at least 100 aircraft, but the Commander of U.S. Strategic Command and others suggest a potential need for 145, with external analyses even calling for 200, which directly impacts long-term defense budget allocation. Another significant issue is whether to restore the Cold War-era practice of maintaining bombers on daily nuclear alert, which involves substantial investments in manpower and infrastructure and has implications for strategic stability. Furthermore, to address potential high-end conflicts, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, concepts such as "Base Hardening" and "Passive Defense" (including force dispersal, camouflage, and concealment) have been proposed to enhance the survivability and operational resilience of main operating bases and forward dispersal locations.

The information foundation of this report is entirely derived from official U.S. documents, budget requests, congressional legislative texts, and public statements by the military, including the Nuclear Posture Review, relevant provisions of the National Defense Authorization Act, and testimonies from military leaders. It provides professional readers with an authoritative, objective, and detailed assessment framework for understanding the modernization path of the U.S. strategic bomber force, its strategic value in the context of "great power competition," and how domestic politics and budgetary processes shape the development direction of this critical military service.