The B-1B Lancer Is Being Transformed Into a 'Bunker Buster' Bomber

The U.S. Air Force's Rockwell B-1B Lancer is slated for replacement by the Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider later this decade. Despite this, significant investments have been made to enhance the aging bomber's capabilities, including internal bomb bay modifications and the reactivation of external pylons.

-Recently, a B-1B was spotted carrying the new GBU-72/B 5,000-pound "Bunker Buster" bomb, showcasing its potential to target deeply buried structures.

-This move likely aims to signal to adversaries like Iran the continued potency and adaptability of the B-1B even as it approaches the end of its service life.

The Rockwell B-1B Lancer's days are numbered. The aging Cold War-era U.S. Air Force bomber will be replaced as the Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider begins to enter service later this decade. However, the Air Force has invested millions of dollars to keep the old workhorses flying, while also enhancing the B-1B's capabilities.

Upgrades include modifications to some of the bombers' internal bomb bays, as well as a rethink of external pylons that were designed to carry air-launched cruise missiles but were inactivated as part of the START treaty.

https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/b-1b-lancer-being-transformed-bunker-buster-bomber-211459