As per the United States Air Force (USAF), one of its high priority acquisition projects is the Long Range Strike Bomber (LRS-B) programme. Also referred to as the Next Generation Bomber, the aircraft will provide the US with the option of striking any target at any point across the globe. Initial Operational Clearance for the new Bomber is expected by the mid-2020s and the Department of Defense (DoD) is targeting a unit cost price of $550 million. The USAF, however, wants a bomber capable of conducting manned operations with unmanned capabilities to be added on after it enters into service. The Pentagon is looking to use the new aircraft in raid and campaign roles with the objective of penetrating the modern air defences equipped with A2/AD, using a variety of stand-off and direct-attack munitions.
The nation’s top two defence contractors Lockheed and Boeing have evinced interest in the programme and are contemplating a joint bid in response to the tender when floated. Northrop Grumman, manufacturer of the B-2 Stealth Bomber, is also expected to be one of the contenders for the award of this contract.