Air Force Considers Dumping Costly B-21 for Constantly Updated Fleet of Drones

https://www.nextbigfuture.com/ ^ | June 28, 2024 | Brian Wang

[Jonty30]

The biggest concern for the US Air Force is if takes over 15 years to build its full order of even just 100 B-21 Raiders then the new stealth bomber could be outdated before the last get made. Technology is increasing at a rapid rate. Artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, quantum computers, autonomous systems, etc. – are evolving constantly, and many of the current platforms could likely be obsolete by the time the platforms reach full-rate production (FRP).

Autonomous wingman drones could be made faster, at lower cost which would enable a constantly updated fleet.

Despite secrecy and security measures, only 24-30 B-21s are expected to be operational in the next decade, leading to concerns about adequate numbers for potential conflicts with China and Russia.

[Reily]

Providing the data link is low probability of detection, low probability of intercept and low probability of jamming!

[Svartalfiar]

Let’s be frank; a sixteen year old with a joystick can outperform a fighter jock, nine times out of ten. Sad but true.

Highly unlikely.