The US Air Force is in dire need of manufacturing at least 200 new B-21 Raider stealth bombers to counter China’s growing military power. This demand has been made in a new report, which warns that the current number is very low and a large number of advanced bombers are necessary for America’s victory in a possible war with China, especially in case of an attack on Taiwan.
Shocking revelations in American think tank report
The report Strategic ‘Attack: Maintaining the Air Force Capacity to Deny Enemy Sanctuaries’ report by US-backed think tank Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies, released on 9 February 2026, was authored by retired Colonel Mark A. Gunzinger (USAF) and Heather R. Penny has written. Main points in this:
- The current bomber strength of the US Air Force is only ‘Red Force’ (one-time attack), not ‘Campaign Force’ (long-lasting operation). Stealth bombers have become very few in number due to force reductions and delays in modernization over the decades since the Cold War.
- In a war with China (such as an attack on Taiwan), it is necessary to prevent the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) from launching air and missile attacks from ‘sanctuary’ (safe base) on the mainland. The report says that ‘a strong attack is the best defense.’ The US strategy is limited to preventing the occupation of Taiwan, but a balanced strategy should include strategic strikes on China’s military leadership, command and control, and long-range forces.
- China’s anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) networks and geography provide it with safe havens from which it can launch high-density threats. America needs long-range penetrating airpower to deny these sanctuaries.
B-21 bomber made for long range missions
The B-21 Raider is a sixth-generation stealth bomber, which dodges radar, performs long-range missions, can carry nuclear weapons and can penetrate advanced air defenses. America currently wants to make at least 100 B-21, while the new report recommends making 200 B-21 bombers. Also retain the existing 76 B-52 (upgraded). If B-52s are retained, a total of 224 B-21s may have to be purchased to meet the target of 200. Do not retire the B-1 and B-2 until 100 B-21s are operational.
What other recommendations are on Mitchell Institute’s list?
The report asked the US government to increase the number of Kathi generation F-47 fighter jets from 185 to 300. A total of more than 500 next generation fighters and bombers (B-21 + F-47) are required to attack targets in China from the inside out and destroy the PLA’s missile capabilities. Also increase the number of F-35.
What is the strategic importance of this report?
The 200 B-21s are needed not for ‘World War III’, but for hold back, credible deterrence and attrition reserves in a protracted conflict. B-21 and F-47 together will enter the enemy airspace and carry out decisive attacks.
The report says a force with less strength cannot achieve ‘peace through strength’ and cannot win if deterrence fails. This is a strategic decision of the nation, not just of the Air Force. The report emphasizes that there is a need for additional funding, conduct cost-per-impact analysis and determine the force mix through wargaming.
This report has come amid US-China tension, where the Pentagon is focusing on increasing its power in the Indo-Pacific. However, these recommendations are not official policy, but advice from think tanks, which could spark major debate on budget, production and defense spending. B-21 is in production and the first flight test has been done, but increasing the number will increase both cost and time.
