USAF explores air-to-air combat roles for bombers like B-21 with CCA drones

The USAF is evaluating adding air-to-air combat capabilities to bombers (notably the B-21), potentially in cooperation with Collaborative Combat Aircraft drones. This represents a doctrinal/force-structure shift toward using long-range stealth bombers as air-to-air platforms or battle managers, expanding their mission set beyond strike and potentially increasing fighter capacity in contested environments.