Jan 8, 2021,11:28am EST|1,139 views
The Four Biggest Hurdles To Rebuilding The Nuclear Bomber Force
Loren Thompson Senior Contributor
The Air Force’s fleet of heavy bombers has grown decrepit with age. The 158 aircraft remaining in the fleet—down nearly 50% from the 290 that existed when the Cold War ended—average 45 years of service, and it shows.
Long-range bombers capable of carrying heavy payloads occupy a central role in the U.S. military posture, because every major adversary the nation has ever faced was in Eurasia, far from the American homeland.
The advent of satellite-guided smart bombs has made bombers far more versatile in their conventional roles. However, the most important role that heavy bombers play is in supporting nuclear deterrence. Unlike ballistic missiles, bombers can be recalled after they are launched, and they can be used to signal resolve in a crisis.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/lorenthompson/2021/01/08/the-four-biggest-hurdles-to-rebuilding-the-nuclear-bomber-force/?sh=7c0f36cd3ea4
