We wrote that in the 2023 fiscal year, the US Air Force will spend $1.3 billion to purchase the first strategic bomber of the new generation, the B-21 Raider. But the purchases will not be limited to this.
What is known
The defense budget includes more than $216 billion for the US Air Force. $54 million of this amount is earmarked for the purchase of new helicopters and airplanes. In particular, F-35A Lightning II and F-15EX Eagle II fighters.
The US Air Force will be able to purchase almost four dozen fifth-generation F-35A aircraft from Lockheed Martin. For the purchase of the F-15EX, almost half as much money is provided – $2.3 billion.
Boeing expects to receive $2.5 billion for its KC-46 Pegasus air tankers, which are designed to replace the aging KC-135 Stratotanker. Lockheed Martin will supply the US Air National Guard with 16 C-130 Hercules transport aircraft, which will enable the formation of two squadrons. The cost will be $1.6 billion.
And finally, let’s talk about less noisy deals. In particular, $884 million will be spent on the purchase of four EC-37B electronic warfare aircraft, and $1.2 billion will be spent on the purchase of Sikorsky HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopters. The service is investing another $200 million in the development of the Boeing E-7 Wedgetail long-range radar detection aircraft.
