{"id":132870,"date":"2026-02-13T02:34:00","date_gmt":"2026-02-12T21:04:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/?p=132870"},"modified":"2026-02-13T01:30:49","modified_gmt":"2026-02-12T20:00:49","slug":"us-air-force-will-need-500-fighters-bombers-to-counter-china","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/2026\/02\/13\/us-air-force-will-need-500-fighters-bombers-to-counter-china\/","title":{"rendered":"Largest Air Force in the World Will Need 500 New Fighters, Bombers to Counter China"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

ARLINGTON-<\/strong> The Mitchell Institute urges the US Air Force<\/a> to expand procurement of next-generation fighters and bombers to deter China effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The report stresses that current fleet plans fall short for a high-intensity conflict.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Largest
Photo: USAF<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

US Air Force Jets Demand<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A policy study from the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies states the US Air Force requires at least 500 sixth-generation combat aircraft<\/strong> to maintain superiority in a potential conflict with China.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The institute recommends acquiring at least 300 F-47 next-generation fighters<\/strong> and at\u00a0<\/strong><\/span>lea<\/span>st 200 B-21 Raider stealth bombers<\/strong>. Current Air Force plans aim for about 185 F-47 fighters and at least 100 B-21 bombers, leaving a significant shortfall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Analysts argue that conflicts such as Korea, Vietnam, and the ongoing Russia<\/a>-Ukraine war show that failing to strike enemy bases leads to prolonged wars of attrition. Air forces that cannot target adversary sanctuaries risk losing operational momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The study warns that China<\/a> is developing defensive systems intended to make much of the western Pacific difficult for US aircraft to penetrate. Without sufficient long-range aircraft, US forces may struggle to deter or counter aggression, particularly around Taiwan, Defense News<\/a> flagged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Italy
Photo: Italy Air Force<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Lessons from Recent Combat Operations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Recent operations demonstrate the strain on limited stealth fleets. During strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, the Air Force reportedly deployed nearly its entire operational B-2 Spirit bomber fleet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Analysts note that losing even a small number of irreplaceable stealth bombers would severely limit follow-up operations. Against a technologically advanced opponent, the risks increase further due to stronger air defenses and longer operational distances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A limited bomber fleet forces commanders to adopt cautious strategies, reducing deterrence credibility and potentially encouraging adversaries to act first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maintaining Strength Until New Aircraft Arrive<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The Mitchell Institute advises delaying the retirement of legacy bombers until replacements are available in sufficient numbers. Specifically, B-1 Lancer and B-2 Spirit aircraft should remain in service until at least 100 B-21 bombers enter operational use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The report also urges faster funding and procurement to accelerate B-21 production and prevent capability gaps as older aircraft retire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Photo: Airman 1st Class Dominic Tyler, 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs. | Wikimedia Commons
https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:US_Danish_Dutch_F-35A.jpg<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Fighter Fleet Procurement Must Increase<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The study highlights the need to reverse decades of reductions in fighter numbers. It recommends purchasing 74 F-35A fighters<\/a> and 24 F-15EX aircraft annually while integrating collaborative combat aircraft, autonomous drone wingmen designed to support manned fighters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Experts caution against retiring aircraft faster than replacements arrive. Maintaining a one-for-one replacement rate is considered essential to restore fleet capacity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"US
Photo: US Air Force<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Bomber Fleet Expansion Goals<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The institute proposes a total bomber fleet of at least 300 aircraft. With 76 upgraded B-52 bombers planned to remain in service, the Air Force would need to acquire around 224 B-21 bombers to meet that objective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Current plans envision retiring B-1 and B-2 fleets over the next decade, leaving a two-type bomber force consisting of B-52 and B-21 aircraft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Photo: USAF<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Bottom Line<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The analysis concludes that a larger stealth and fighter fleet is critical to deterring aggression and ensuring operational flexibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Without adequate numbers, the US risks losing its ability to threaten adversary targets effectively, weakening deterrence and strategic stability in the Indo-Pacific.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Largest Air Force in the World Still Need 1,558-Fighter Jets to Avoid Wars<\/a><\/blockquote>