Armaghust: hypersonics, drones and new fighters shape planning as bomber force modernizes

Major General Jason Armaghust said developments in hypersonic weapons, widespread drone use and the appearance of new foreign fighters are shaping how his command trains, organizes and equips bomber forces.

On hypersonic weapons, Armaghust described them as a differentiating capability that can be destabilizing if designed to defeat warning systems: "If you're creating systems that defeat warning systems, what you're doing is destabilizing that environment as well." He noted that a traditional intercontinental ballistic missile can exceed hypersonic speeds and said the flight profile is what distinguishes hypersonics.

The commander said the Russia–Ukraine war and its weapons use have highlighted drone employment and that the conflict has produced lessons the U.S. must not misapply. "We would not have conducted our military operations in the same ways, and so don't presume that the same outcomes would be needed or derived from drone activity," he said. He added that the conflict made some drone traits ubiquitous and that defenses and responses need to be developed accordingly.

Regarding new fighter revelations and next-generation programs, Armaghust said military competition is ongoing and that surprises in capability revelation are expected. He noted a deferred political decision on the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program and reiterated the B-52 modernization and eventual fielding of the B-21, and he repeated the bomber count of about 140 aircraft across B-1, B-2 and B-52 families.

Reporters also asked practical questions such as media access to bases; Armaghust referred media to public-affairs personnel for arrangements.