Number: RL31544
Title: Long-Range Bombers: Background and Issues for Congress
Authors: Pierre Bernasconi and Christopher Bolkcom, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division 
Abstract: There appears to be consensus among a broad range of policy makers that DOD should ensure effective and robust long-range strike capabilities in both the near and far term future. Yet there is little consensus among policy makers on how best to maintain this capability. The number and mix of long-range bombers, and how they will combine with cruise missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has yet to be determined. When contemplating the size, capabilities, and characteristics of tomorrow's bomber fleet, policy makers may consider the following issues: urgency, inventory, fleet diversity vs. uniformity, and desired capabilities.
Pages: 41
Date: Updated August 19, 2003