US Air Force extends B-1, B-2 service lives; crews to transition to B-21

The US Air Force will extend the service lives of the B-1 Lancer and B-2 Spirit bombers, with their aircrews slated to be among the first to transition to the B-21 Raider. This indicates a managed bomber fleet transition amid B-21 production ramp-up, preserving long-range strike capacity. The move suggests potential delays or cost concerns in B-21 fielding, though official rationale is not detailed.