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Efosa Udinmwen

Pentagon is looking for drone bombers, but don't expect a B52 replacement, as they'd carry only an 18 lb payload

An Air Force B-52 Stratofortress takes off from RAF Fairford on March 19, 2026, in Fairford, England.
  • Reusable bomber drones join the Pentagon's Drone Dominance Program
  • Payloads must exceed 8 kilograms, matching existing mortar rounds already available
  • Drones must operate 15 to 30 kilometers from their launch positions

The Pentagon has expanded its Drone Dominance Program by seeking reusable unmanned aircraft capable of carrying bombs instead of functioning solely as one-way attack systems.

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