The US Air Force is seeking $4.25 billion in fiscal 2027 funding to address critical spare-parts shortages after only eight of 24 aircraft fleets met supply readiness standards. The investment targets bombers, tankers, fighters and trainers, while the service faces a wider $14 billion supply deficit and a recovery timeline of up to 5 years.
B-52 Bomber
British and Norwegian F-35 fighters escorted a US Air Force B-52 Stratofortress over the High North during Exercise Global Thunder 27 on October 24.
The US Air Force has moved its AGM-183A ARRW hypersonic missile into production under a $694 million Lockheed Martin contract, reviving a programme that faced repeated test failures and funding uncertainty.
U.S. Air Force faces a $14 billion aircraft parts gap as aging fleets, supply shortages and maintenance backlogs pressure readiness.
The US Air Force has advanced two major B-52 Stratofortress modernization programs, moving its engine replacement effort into development while authorizing initial production of a new radar system.
A German-registered business jet mistakenly landed at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire on Saturday, September 12, after apparently approaching the wrong airport.
The difference becomes especially clear when comparing the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor and the Boeing B-52H Stratofortress.
A Boeing B-52H Stratofortress bomber crashed shortly after takeoff from Edwards Air Force Base, California, on June 15, killing all eight people on board.
USAF plans $1.7 billion investment to modernize B-1B Lancer and B-2 Spirit bombers, extending service life as B-21 Raider production ramps up.
The United States has stationed 21 strategic bombers at RAF Fairford, significantly boosting its strike capability against Iranian targets under Operation Epic Fury.