US Air Force Sees Room for New Long Range Bomber by 2018

Released on Friday, February 03, 2006

The QDR guides and supports Air Force transformation in pursuit of key joint, interdependent combat capabilities that enable us to deliver more sovereign options for the defense of the United States of America and its global interest. The QDR is a congressionally mandated review of how the armed forces plan to fund current and future projects specific to each service.

The QDR re-affirmed the strong role the Air Force plays in special operations and irregular warfare. Furthermore, it added strength to that effort with increased combat aviation advisors, dedicated Predator units and recapitalization of the special operations fleet.

In addition, the QDR reinforced the Air Force importance in emerging missions and strengthening the Air Force's role in space and cyber operations. To underwrite investment in new capabilities, the QDR calls for easing restrictions so the Air Force can trim the number of older aircraft it operates such as the C-130 Hercules, KC-135 Stratotankers and B-52 Stratofortresses.

Several credible and independent agencies both in and outside DOD examined the needs of the Air Force and came to the same conclusions -- that flexibility, stealth, speed and new advanced technology are necessary for our ability to project airpower and support our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen.

Other additions the QDR calls for are:

A new long-range bomber in the next 12 years.

A significant increase in the fleet of unmanned aerial vehicles.

More special operations forces.

Fielding more battlefield Airmen to support our sister services on the ground.

Airmen trained to fight with emerging technologies, such as protecting the nation through cyberspace.

Those transformations will affect the total force -- from added weapon systems to a decrease in manpower. The Air Force will further reduce its strength by roughly 40,000 Airmen; 88 percent will come from active duty. All in all, the QDR process was lengthy and drew input from a number of sources.