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Air Force Global Strike warns bomber availability constrained, seeks B‑21 production clarity and Sentinel funding
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Summary
Air Force Global Strike Command testified that bomber availability is strained as legacy platforms age and sustainment parts are limited; the command urged continued support for the B‑21 program, long‑range strike modernization and timely funding for the Sentinel ICBM replacement.
Air Force Global Strike Command officials told the Senate subcommittee they face readiness pressures because legacy bomber availability is limited by spare parts and sustainment challenges, and they urged steady funding for the B‑21 Raider, Sentinel ICBM replacement and other modernization efforts.
General Thomas Bussier, commander of Air Force Global Strike Command, said his top priorities are sustaining the legacy force, modernizing systems and taking care of airmen. He told senators the command is fielding the B‑21 program and preparing installations for initial operational aircraft, and that the program of record currently plans for at least 100 aircraft while earlier analyses had suggested up to 145 could be desirable.
Why it matters: Bomber availability and the rate of fielding the B‑21 affect the Air Force’s long‑range strike posture and the nation’s ability to provide flexible deterrent options. The Sentinel ICBM replacement is the planned recapitalization of the land‑based leg; failure to fund Sentinel on schedule would prolong reliance on aging Minuteman III equipment.
Operational readiness and sustainment - General Bussier said availability across the B‑1, B‑2 and B‑52 fleet “hover[s] around the fifties” because of spare‑parts shortages and legacy sustainment issues; he and senators discussed the importance of organic repair capability and intellectual property for on‑demand parts production. - The command is focusing on the B‑21 Raider first‑unit testing and beddown at Ellsworth Air Force Base; the B‑21 program has completed first flight, and initial test aircraft are in developmental testing.
Sentinel and command concerns - Bussier and senators emphasized the need to fund the Sentinel ICBM replacement to avoid capability gaps; the commander described the land‑based recapitalization as overdue and said timely funding is required to field a new system.
Personnel and retention - Senators and witnesses discussed retention and pilot availability; Bussier said rated retention stressors affect bomber crews as well as other aviators and that increasing flying opportunities and retention incentives are key to keeping experienced aircrew.
Ending note: The Air Force representative urged continued, stable funding and acquisition tempo to modernize long‑range strike and sustain readiness while transitioning from legacy platforms to the B‑21 and Sentinel systems.
