WASHINGTON, United States — The US Air Force is evaluating whether bombers could contribute to air-to-air combat, alongside greater reliance on autonomous aircraft, according to a report to Congress described by Aviation Week on 21 October.
The review sets a planning goal of 1,509 combat-coded fighters by 2035, up from an earlier target of 1,271. Combat-coded aircraft are those assigned to combat units; the figure is not the total aircraft inventory.
Options rather than a decision
The options include a new capacity fighter, more use of Collaborative Combat Aircraft and development of air-to-air capabilities for bombers.
The reported document does not identify which bombers might take that role or explain how far the assessment has progressed. It does not announce an operational bomber air-combat capability.
Reaching the fighter target depends on sustained funding and aircraft production. The wider issue is how to expand available combat capacity while maintaining an ageing fleet. Autonomous aircraft are being considered as part of that mix, rather than simple one-for-one replacements for existing fighters.