The United States is modernizing each leg of its 'triad' of strategic nuclear weapons, which includes land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles, sea-launched missiles, and bombers. Bombers are being modernized in several ways. The United States is developing the new B-2 or 'stealth' bomber, which incorporates features that hide it from enemy radar. Older B-52G and B- 52H bombers are being modified to carry air-launched cruise missiles--small, pilotless drones that can be launched at long distances from a target. Two new weapons for bombers are also being developed: an advanced cruise missile for long-range attacks and a new short-range attack missile. In addition to modernizing existing aircraft, the United States has just completed deployment of 100 new B-1B bombers that are the focus of this analysis. Those bombers have experienced a variety of problems that diminish their performance. The Air Force is striving to solve those problems. Moreover, it will probably propose a package of enhancements to expand the B-1B's capabilities. If all enhancements currently under consideration are pursued, that package could cost as much as $8 billion. This study first reviews the status of the Air Force programs to correct the problems with the B-1B and then reviews the choices the Congress could make regarding the anticipated enhancements. Those choices depend in large part on the mission selected for the B-1B bomber. Should it be employed as long as possible in a role that requires it to penetrate Soviet airspace to attack targets at short ranges. Or should it be transferred to a standoff role, employing cruise missiles to attack targets at longer ranges.


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