As global threats rise, the U.S. Air Force is upgrading its fleet of 186 F-22 Raptors to maintain air dominance, but a more pressing issue remains: limited numbers. -With China mass-producing its fifth-generation J-20s,

The F-22 Raptor, the world’s first stealth fighter, is set to extend its service life into the 2030s despite its aging design, thanks to significant multi-billion-dollar upgrades. -These enhancements include advanced sensors,

Whiteman currently houses the B-2 Spirit bomber. Dyess, like Ellsworth, hosts the B-1 Lancer bomber. The B-21 Raider, which was unveiled in late 2022, will eventually replace both the B-2 and B-1 fleets.

Recently, the B-21 completed the essential static test — meaning the structural design of the aircraft is sound.

The U.S. Air Force’s B-21 Raider program has seen cost reductions, with the fiscal 2025 procurement request lowered to $2.7 billion. Despite this, the future of long-range bombers remains in question,