The B-21’s possible future role in maritime strike

The B-21’s possible future role in maritime strike
The B-21’s possible future role in maritime strike

Little is known about the details of the newly unveiled B-21 bomber, but IISS’s Ben Ho writes that from what we know, its mission set could expand to the sea.

China calls for new ‘strategic guidance’ at 20th Party Congress

China calls for new ‘strategic guidance’ at 20th Party Congress
China calls for new ‘strategic guidance’ at 20th Party Congress

China analyst Dean Cheng breaks down the key military aspects of Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s statements at the recent Party Congress.

AUSA Fires Back At Air Force: Long-Range Missiles Aren’t ‘Stupid’

AUSA Fires Back At Air Force: Long-Range Missiles Aren’t ‘Stupid’
AUSA Fires Back At Air Force: Long-Range Missiles Aren’t ‘Stupid’

The benefit of diverse and effective long-range precision fires was reinforced by then-U.S. Pacific Command Commander Navy Adm. Harry Harris, who challenged the Army to develop more lethal, long-range precision fires that could not only engage adversary land targets, but also sink ships at sea.

Bye-Bye, B-52s & Carriers; Hello, More Destroyers & F-35s

Bye-Bye, B-52s & Carriers; Hello, More Destroyers & F-35s
Bye-Bye, B-52s & Carriers; Hello, More Destroyers & F-35s

The US needs to shift investment from hallowed but vulnerable legacy platforms – especially aircraft carriers and B-52 bombers – to more flexible and survivable weapons systems – above all, Aegis warships and the unfairly much-maligned F-35.

No ‘New Cold War’ As US Bombers Move Into Norwegian Base

No ‘New Cold War’ As US Bombers Move Into Norwegian Base
No ‘New Cold War’ As US Bombers Move Into Norwegian Base

“I guess if someone were to take a message [from the basing agreement]  it’s that we’re not restricted to one particular location,” said Gen. Steven Basham, deputy commander of Air Forces in Europe/Africa.

Hypersonics: ARRW’s Booster Tests This Week – Carefully

Hypersonics: ARRW’s Booster Tests This Week – Carefully
Hypersonics: ARRW’s Booster Tests This Week – Carefully

As the services rush to field hypersonics, OSD’s top expert warns, they must not repeat sloppy mistakes that have marred past tests – and hypersonic cruise missiles may have more tactical value than easier-to-build boost-glide weapons.

Our Allies Need US To Modernize Nuke Triad: Gen. Ray

Our Allies Need US To Modernize Nuke Triad: Gen. Ray
Our Allies Need US To Modernize Nuke Triad: Gen. Ray

“It’s really important that we don’t let these issues get swept up in … political transitions between administrations,” warned the head of Air Force Global Strike Command.

VCSAF Wilson Presses Service’s Long-Range Strike Role

VCSAF Wilson Presses Service’s Long-Range Strike Role
VCSAF Wilson Presses Service’s Long-Range Strike Role

“All of the services are pursuing new long-range strike capabilities today, kind of like little kids chasing a soccer ball, and someone needs to ask which investments will maximize our nation’s long-range strike warfighting potential,” said Mitchell Institute’s Mark Gunzinger.

Fast Deployments Deter Better Than Bases: Stimson

Fast Deployments Deter Better Than Bases: Stimson
Fast Deployments Deter Better Than Bases: Stimson

The data show the deployment of an amphibious ready group was effective, as was the movement of an aircraft carrier strike group. Deploying ground forces and land-based air forces in significant numbers also were effective attention-getters.

Firms Rev Up For B-52 Re-Engine Battle

Firms Rev Up For B-52 Re-Engine Battle
Firms Rev Up For B-52 Re-Engine Battle

The Air Force hopes replacing the engines will keep the venerable B-52 in the air through 2050 — just two years shy of a century.

Adversaries Exploit Pandemic Online: Goldfein

Adversaries Exploit Pandemic Online: Goldfein
Adversaries Exploit Pandemic Online: Goldfein

“But we are seeing in the information spaces especially … we are seeing those that are trying to take advantage of this situation,” Gen. Goldfein said in a wide-ranging discussion this morning sponsored by the Mitchell Institute.

Air Force Cuts Aircraft To Fund Space, Multi-Domain

Air Force Cuts Aircraft To Fund Space, Multi-Domain
Air Force Cuts Aircraft To Fund Space, Multi-Domain

“Winning the future fight will require us to dominate space,” said Maj. Gen. John Pletcher, Air Force deputy assistant secretary for budget.

Ray Asks Roper To Explore ‘Bomb Truck’ For Cheap Standoff Capability

Ray Asks Roper To Explore ‘Bomb Truck’ For Cheap Standoff Capability
Ray Asks Roper To Explore ‘Bomb Truck’ For Cheap Standoff Capability

“There is no significant game plan here,” Ray said about the idea of a ‘bomb truck.’ “I just think, why not? You can’t win if you don’t play.”

B-21 First Flight In 2021 Not Likely

B-21 First Flight In 2021 Not Likely
B-21 First Flight In 2021 Not Likely

Meanwhile, the X-37B robotic space plane has hit another record on its fifth mission, now having spent 777 days on orbit, says AFRCO Director Randall Walden.