In the quest for aerial dominance, the United States is facing a formidable challenge: balancing the soaring costs of cutting-edge airpower programs with the urgent need for technological superiority.
The B-21 Raider, NGAD, and F/A-XX, the trifecta of the U.S. military’s future combat aircraft, are expected to define the next era of air warfare.
With geopolitical tensions simmering across the globe, the U.S. is determined to maintain its edge, but at what cost?
The B-21 Raider, an intercontinental stealth bomber developed to deliver nuclear and conventional weapons, is slated to soar through the skies by 2027.
Northrop Grumman, the manufacturer, has revealed that despite hurdles like labor issues and inflation, they are committed to delivering the bomber at zero profitability for now.
“We have to perform, and we are working hard to ensure that plan is what we achieve,” Kathy Warden, Northrop Grumman’s chief executive, has stated.
Priced at an estimated $750 million per airframe, the Air Force plans to acquire at least 100 B-21s to replace the aging B-52s and B-1Bs.
Next in line is the Air Force’s Next-Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program, featuring the sixth-generation fighter.
The Pentagon projects the new stealth fighter to come with a $300 million price tag per airframe.
The NGAD aims to surpass the capabilities of the F-22 Raptor, introducing a “family of systems,” potentially including fleets of collective combat vehicles (CCVs) that would act as loyal wingmen drones.
The Navy is not far behind with its F/A-XX program, set to replace the F/A-18 Super Hornets.
Despite the staggering costs, these programs are considered essential for future military readiness. However, concerns persist that fiscal pressures could force cuts to these ambitious projects.
The fate of other high-profile programs like the B-2 Spirit, F-22 Raptor, and Seawolf-Class submarines serve as cautionary tales of how even the most advanced systems can face the axe amid changing geopolitical landscapes and budget constraints.
Each program is not without its unique set of challenges and uncertainties. For the B-21 Raider, the question remains not just about its cost, but about the number of bombers the Air Force will ultimately commission.
Speaking before lawmakers on the House Armed Services Committee on March 12, Lt. Gen. Richard G. Moore Jr. stated that the critical juncture for surpassing 100 should be expected in the mid to late ’30s, factoring in the necessary lead time.
Relevant articles:
– B-21 Raider, NGAD, and F/A-XX All Have 1 Problem That Can’t Be Fixed, The National Interest
– The B-21 Raider Question: How Many Bombers?, nationalinterest.org
– Northrop Grumman Powers On B, Defense Daily