Air Force Next-Generation Bomber: Background and Issues for Congress
Abstract
As part of its proposed FY2010 defense budget, the Administration is proposing to defer the start of a program to develop a next-generation bomber (NGB) for the Air Force, pending the completion of the 2010 Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR) and associated Nuclear Posture Review (NPR), and in light of strategic arms control negotiations with Russia. The Administration's proposed FY2010 budget requests no funding specifically identified in public budget documents as being for an NGB program. Prior to the submission of the FY2010 budget, the Air Force was conducting research and development work aimed at fielding a next-generation bomber by 2018. Although the proposed FY2010 defense budget proposes to defer the start of an NGB program, Air Force officials in 2009 have expressed support for the need to eventually start such a program. The Air Force's FY2010 unfunded requirements list (URL)-a list of programs desired by the Air Force but not funded in the Air Force's proposed FY2010 budget-includes a classified $140-million item that some press accounts have identified as being for continued work on a next-generation bomber. A key issue for Congress in FY2010 is whether to provide funding in FY2010 for an NGB program. A second issue is whether to enact legislation that would amend or add to prior-year legislation on bomber force structure.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 03, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA511459
Entities
People
- Ronald O'Rourke
Organizations
- Library of Congress