The B-21 Raider nuclear bomber could operate the drones that are being built for fifth- and sixth-generation fighters

The US Air Force has launched the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) programme, which builds drones to work together with fighter jets. However, the service does not rule out the possibility that the next-generation B-21 Raider nuclear bomber will also be able to operate drones.

Here's What We Know

The US Air Force is considering the possibility of close co-operation between joint-use drones and B-21 Raider nuclear bombers. The drones will be able to assist manned aircraft or carry out their own missions.

The CCA project is part of the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) programme, under which the US Air Force wants a sixth-generation fighter jet. So far, the service has not announced detailed UAV requirements, but it is known that the US Air Force wants a minimum of 1,000 drones for the sixth-generation fighter and the F-35 Lightning II.

Such drones will be able to strike enemy positions, divert enemy air defences and conduct reconnaissance. One of the U.S. Air Force's goals is not just to build guided UAVs, but to make them as cheap as possible.

The service wants drones to be much cheaper than manned aircraft, so that losing them in combat doesn't hit the pocketbook too hard. To understand, an F-35A without the F135 engine now costs less than $100 million, and it would cost several times that to produce a single sixth-generation fighter at launch.

Source: The War Zone