US Air Force eyes larger B-21 bomber fleet as China threat grows

During a House Armed Services subcommittee hearing on the FY2027 budget, senior Air Force officials said the Pentagon may need to expand the planned B‑21 stealth bomber fleet beyond the current target of 100 aircraft. Lieutenant General David Tabor told lawmakers that the rapidly evolving strategic challenge from China could require a larger inventory, while Republican Congressman Rob Wittman and subcommittee chair Trent Kelly stressed the bomber’s role as a cornerstone of U.S. deterrence in contested Indo‑Pacific environments.

Air Force acquisition chief William Bailey outlined parallel efforts to modernise the aging KC‑135 tanker fleet, upgrade communications and satellite links, and improve survivability against emerging drone threats. Lawmakers highlighted the high cost of using expensive missile interceptors against low‑cost drones and raised concerns about the nearly 64‑year‑old tanker fleet. The Air Force also noted ongoing planning for a next‑generation airlift platform to replace older C‑17 and C‑5 aircraft, and its cooperation with Joint Task Force 401 and the “Golden Dome” missile‑defence initiative to boost counter‑drone capabilities.

The discussion reflects growing congressional pressure to ensure the U.S. air‑power remains effective against a “large‑scale threat” posed by China while addressing long‑standing aircraft ageing and emerging unmanned‑system challenges.