The US is the only NATO ally to maintain a bomber fleet. The role of the modern bomber is to deliver guided munitions and an air-launched nuclear deterrent.
Due to many deployments and the cost of repair and maintenance, the B-1 has been retired. There are roughly 20 B-2 Spirit’s in the fleet capable of delivering guided munitions. The B-52 Stratofortress can deliver guided munitions and is a platform for the Air-Launched Cruise Missile nuclear deterrent, to be replaced by the LRSO system in a few years. The B-21 Raider is expected to enter service around 2027 but much of capability and intent is classified.
While the last B-52 was manufactured in 1962 and the existing 72 airframes are expected to serve as at least the air-launched nuclear deterrent (LRSO) platform of the bomber fleet into perhaps the 2050’s, everything important has been redesigned and replaced: engines, nacelles, fire and launch control, and fuel system. It’s as if one gutted and remodeled a house, including replacing the exterior, some parts several times. The latest variant focuses on new engines, expected in a few years.
TL;DR Colonizers gonna’ colonize. And, knowing is half the battle. G.I. Jooooooe!
Reagan (1981-1989)
Bill Clinton
ADA (1990)
Interstate Banking and Branching Efficiency Act (1994)
Wealth inequality reaches unsustainable levels.
Beyond this point there was no hope for the Republic. Banks will buy everything.
Obama ACA (2010)
Trump
COVID (2019)
Recession (2020)
Private equity outcompetes human home buyers in most markets.
Biden Soft Landing (2021-2025)
Lowest income 20% cannot afford core needs.
Harris Not Trump (2025-2029)