In a strategic shift toward modernizing its aerial fleet, the United States Air Force (USAF) has announced the decision not to repair one of its B-2 stealth bombers that sustained damage during an operational accident last December.

This aircraft is a critical component of the nation’s nuclear triad and its sidelining due to prohibitive repair costs marks a significant moment in military aviation history.

According to the Pentagon report released last April, this move will reduce the total B-2 fleet to 19 from a peak of 21. The report outlines that “The B-2 is being divested in FY 2025 due to a ground accident/damage presumed to be uneconomical to repair.”

The specific bomber in question, although not named in the report, is believed to be the one that experienced an emergency landing and subsequent fire at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri on December 10, 2022.

The aftereffects of the accident were substantial, with the aircraft blocking the sole runway at Whiteman for over a week and the entire fleet being largely grounded for six months.

Despite the incident, the USAF maintained that the bombers could still be deployed in their nuclear deterrent role if necessary.

The B-2 fleet, known for its advanced stealth technology, has been notoriously expensive to maintain. Costs of repair can be astronomical; for instance, a B-2 that suffered a fire at Andersen Air Force Base in 2010 cost the Air Force $105 million to repair, which also included the price of an overhaul.

However, the Air Force’s decision could be influenced by the impending introduction of the B-21 Raider.

Recently, it was reported that Northrop Grumman is making significant progress in test flights of the B-21, which is expected to start operational deployment by 2025.

Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics, Andrew Hunter, said regarding the B-21 progress, “As of today, good progress is being made.

We believe we are on track.” The Air Force plans to purchase at least 100 of these next-generation aircraft, eventually phasing out both the B-2 and the supersonic B-1 Lancer bombers.

The B-21 Raider is touted as the world’s first sixth-generation aircraft with features such as stealth, information advantage, and open architecture.

Northrop Grumman’s contract to overhaul the B-2 fleet through 2029 is a part of the transition towards the B-21, ensuring the B-2 remains viable until its replacement is ready.

While the B-2 fleet is set to continue service into the 2030s, the USAF’s strategic shift to more economically viable and technologically advanced aircraft signals a new era in American military aviation.

Despite the divestment of one B-2 bomber, the USAF remains poised to maintain its dominance in the skies with the promise of the B-21 Raider’s capabilities on the horizon.

Relevant articles:
– Due to the high repair costs, the US Air Force will retire one of its B-2 Spirit bombers, Zona Militar
– Why The US Air Force Won’t Fix Its Damaged B-2, Simple Flying
– Damaged B-2 Won’t Be Repaired, Fleet To Shrink To 19 Jets, The War Zone
– Northrop wins $7 billion Air Force contract for more B, Breaking Defense