F-16.net

Apparently some talking heads down under believe that the B-21 is a good investment.

An argument is made that investing in long range bombers instead of subs is a much better investment.

I'm not even sure that the U.S. would allow its premier aircraft to be exported. A much cheaper option would
Be to Buy used B-52s rather than the B-21.

https://nationalinterest.org/blog/reboo ... ing-198803

Please excuse the website, I know the National interest is the favorite of some board members. But I'd like your opinions.

https://nationalinterest.org/blog/reboo ... ing-198803

More at the Australian.

Does anyone here have a sub?

I’d planned to examine the full range of strike options before unveiling the punchline—namely, the B-21 Raider strategic bomber. But since ASPI analyst Catherine McGregor has reported that two former air force chiefs think we need strategic bombers, I’ll cut to the chase and look at whether that’s a viable option

Any takers?

There is no consideration for a B-21 at this stage. It's not on the CONOPS. Is the B-21 even exportable?
What is on the table 2020-2040 is
Additional Air Combat Capability ($4.5 - $6.7b)... decision 2025, probably another squadron of F-35, taking it to the planned 100 buy.
Teaming Air Vehicles ($7.4 - $11b) ....Loyal wingman.

https://www.defence.gov.au/sites/defaul ... e_Plan.pdf
Chart 4 – Key Air Domain Investments
F-35 Lightning II ($9.9 – $17b)
EA-18G Growler Replacement ($7.6 - $11.4b)
High-Speed Long-Range Strike, including Hypersonic Research ($6.2 - $9.3b)
Armed Medium Altitude Long Endurance Remotely Piloted Aircraft System ($1.6 - $2.4b)
Teaming Air Vehicles ($7.4 - $11b)
E-7A Wedgetail Replacement ($14 - $21.1b)
Deployed Ballistic & High-Speed Missile Defence ($15.8 - $23.7b)
KC-30A Replacement ($17.5 - 26.2b)
C-130J Hercules Replacement ($8.8 - $13.2b)
Joint Air Battle Management System ($1.8 – $2.8b)
Medium Range Ground Based Air Defence ($4.9 – $7.3b)
Air Control Enhancements ($2.2 - $3.2b)
Air to Ground Weapons ($1.2 - $1.7b)
Air to Air Weapons ($1.7 - $2.5b)
MQ-4C Triton ($1.8 - $2.7b)
MC-55A Peregrine ($1.1 - $1.7b)
Distributed Ground Station Australia ($1.2 - $1.8b)
Additional ISR Capability ($4.1 - $6.1b)
Operational Radar Network Expansion ($0.7 - $1b)
P-8A Poseidon Assurance ($2.4 - $3.6b)
Air Mobility Assurance ($1.8 - $2.7b)
Air Launched Strike Capability ($3.4 - $5.2b)
Additional Air Combat Capability ($4.5 - $6.7b)
F-35 Replacement Evaluation and Design ($300 – $400m)
E-7A Wedgetail Capability Upgrade ($2.3 – $3.5b)