US Air Force to extend service of B-1, B-2 bombers, official says

The US Air Force plans to keep both the B-1B Lancer and B-2 Spirit in service longer as B-21 Raider production and unit conversion proceed. Extending the legacy bombers into the 2030s preserves long-range strike capacity and reduces the risk of a force-structure gap during transition. The decision will require continued spending on structural work, avionics, engines, low-observable maintenance, and weapons integration, particularly for the aging B-1 fleet. Availability and operating cost will remain limiting factors, so service-life extensions complement rather than replace timely B-21 deliveries.