The Air Force reportedly is still considering the use of Minuteman ICBMs fitted with conventional warheads to answer the quick global strike requirement, but service, industry, and congressional stakeholders alike remain skittish, believing such a capability would make everyone else in the world very nervous. A conventional ICBM launch would look just like the launch of a nuke, and other nuclear powers might not be inclined to believe Washington reassurances via the hotline.
B-21 Raider First Flight Now Postponed to 2023
May 20, 2022
The Air Force says the B-21 Raider won't make its first flight until 2023; about a six-month delay from the last official estimates. No reason was given for the delay. While other programs have recently chalked up schedule slips to supply chain and labor shortages, the Air Force has said…