Senator John Thune (R-S.D.) introduced an amendment (S.Amdt. 2093) to the National Defense Authorization Act that would reiterate Congress’ commitment to the development of the next generation Long-Range Strike Bomber.
“As potential adversaries continue to modernize their anti-aircraft systems, our ability to penetrate those systems must also modernize,” said Thune. “The next generation bomber will ensure our ability to operate effectively in anti-access and area-denial environments. As the Air Force continues to modernize, the Long-Range Strike Bomber remains a must-have capability for future combat operations. I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting this important amendment to ensure our military continues to prioritize, and develop the next generation bomber.”
South Dakota’s Ellsworth Air Force base’s 28th Bomb Wing is home to two of the three combat squadrons operating the B-1B strategic bomber. Of the three aircraft that currently make up our bomber fleet, the B-1B has the highest payload, the fastest maximum speed, and operates at the lowest cost per flying hour. As the Air Force seeks to develop the next generation Long-Range Strike Bomber, the B-1B remains the workhorse of our bomber fleet, defending our nation at home while retaining our ability to strike against threats abroad.