General Cotton demands more B-21 Raiders for a robust fleet
- General Anthony J. Cotton has proposed increasing the U.S. strategic bomber fleet to 220 aircraft.
- To achieve this goal, the Air Force would need to order 145 B-21 Raider stealth bombers.
- Cotton's advocacy for more bombers may influence decision-making in the Pentagon and among lawmakers.
In the United States, Air Force General Anthony J. Cotton has expressed his desire for a larger bomber fleet to address growing global threats. During recent discussions, he articulated the need for a total of 220 strategic bombers, highlighting that the Air Force should order 145 B-21 Raider stealth bombers, as opposed to the original plan of just 100. Cotton's statements reflect a growing urgency in military circles regarding the modernization and enhancement of the U.S. bomber capabilities. The Air Force's current fleet consists of approximately 140 bombers, which include the B-1 Lancer known for its speed, the B-2 Spirit recognized for its stealth, and the B-52 Stratofortress that boasts significant payload capacity. With the changing global landscape and threats from near-peer adversaries, Cotton's push for an expanded fleet comes at a pivotal time, as it indicates a strategic shift in how the U.S. plans to project military power worldwide. A critical concern for the Air Force is the production capabilities of Northrop Grumman, the manufacturer responsible for the B-21 Raider. The company currently operates at a low production rate, capable of producing only around 21 aircraft across five production lots. To meet General Cotton's desired quantity, production must accelerate significantly. The constraints on defense budgets and manufacturing capabilities pose additional challenges for the Air Force and Congress when considering the necessary investments for such an ambitious procurement plan. Moreover, the historical context underlines the necessity of careful planning. For instance, in the 1990s, the Air Force initially intended to purchase over 100 B-2 Spirits; however, with the easing of Cold War tensions, they scaled back to only 21 aircraft despite having prepared a production line for the initial goal. This experience serves as a cautionary tale for current military leaders who need to ensure that the production line for the B-21 Raider does not face a similar fate, leading to missed opportunities in national defense. The ongoing discussions by leaders like General Cotton might influence both military and legislative bodies to reassess priorities regarding the U.S. strategic bomber fleet.