he USAF was as of 2016 also planning to acquire a new long-range fighter from its Next Generation Air Dominance program, known as the F-X or "Penetrating Counter-Air", to escort the B-21 deep into enemy territory and help it survive enemy air defenses and intercepting fighters.[64]
Possible Australian interest
In December 2022, an Australian Strategic Policy Institute report advocated acquiring a number of B-21 Raiders to provide the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) a greater long-range strike capability.[65]
The report stated that a B-21 could fly 2,500 miles (4,000 km) without refueling while carrying more munitions than the maximum 930-mile (1,500 km) range of the RAAF's F-35 fighter jets, which require air-to-air refueling for longer missions. A single B-21 can also deliver the same impact as several F-35As. Additionally, the B-21 can attack targets from secure air bases located in Australia's south, with greater proximity to more personnel, fuel, and munitions.[66]
During bilateral talks held in August 2022, it was reported that the US might allow Australia to procure the B-21. When asked if the US would consider allowing Australia to join in developing the B-21 bomber, USAF Secretary Frank Kendall stated, "I don't think that there's any fundamental limitation on the areas in which we can cooperate. If Australia had a requirement for long-range strike, then we'd be willing to have a conversation with them about that."[67] However, the Defence Strategic Review released by the Australian government on 24 April 2023 stated that the B-21 was not considered a suitable option for acquisition.[68] Australia will instead invest in upgrading its F-35As and F/A-18Fs to the latest Block 4 and Block III configurations, respectively, to enable both aircraft to launch the AGM-158C LRASM and the Joint Strike Missile.[69]
