Overview
- A Mitchell Institute report released Feb. 9 recommends at least 300 F-47 fighters and 200 B-21 bombers, far above current Air Force plans.
- Authors Heather Penney and Mark Gunzinger say today’s targets of about 185 F-47s and 100 B-21s create a “raid force,” not a campaign-capable fleet for contested airspace.
- Interim steps include retaining B-1 and B-2 bombers until at least 100 B-21s are fielded and increasing annual buys to 74 F-35As and 24 F-15EXs alongside collaborative combat aircraft.
- The study warns China is building a western Pacific sanctuary that would shield forces from sustained strikes unless the U.S. can penetrate with long-range stealth airpower.
- The recommendations call for Congress and the Pentagon to accelerate funding and procurement, while official Air Force buy totals and retirement timelines remain unchanged.