Global Reach? Air Force Capabilities for Long-Range Attack.

Air Force bombers have a legacy as old as the conceptual basis for airpower doctrine itself, but in a post-cold war world marked by uncertainty, changing threats, and declining defense spending, do they still have a role? The purpose of this paper is to consider the relevance of the long-range bomber force, B-52, B-1, and B-2, to national and theater requirements in the context of the changing security environment. The discussion that follows begins by reviewing the expected challenges of the multipolar world and its strategic requirements, examines contemplated missions for bombers, and arrives at a conclusion that these aircraft do offer unique value to future scenarios around the globe.