Conventional Wisdom

As the Air Force continues to develop requirements for its long-range strike family of systems, its work will be focused on fielding a conventional weapon, Air Force Secretary Michael Donley said today.

Speaking at the Air Force Association's annual conference, Donley said the air service is approaching its LRS development from conventional capabilities perspective.

In March, a senior-level DOD working group explored options for long-range strike capabilities in the hopes of having the review complete in time to influence the fiscal year 2012 budget. As part of that review, group members drilled down into possible long-range strike scenarios involving force mix options of nuclear and conventional weapons.

While service officials working LRS development are also focusing on "complimentary capabilities" that could be included in the eventual platform, a nuclear LRS option will be shelved for the time being.

Donley noted the focus on conventional capabilities would prevent the burgeoning program from suffering the same fate as the Air Force's previous attempts to field a new bomber.

Service officials put the kibosh on the next-generation bomber effort after the program became weighed down, and ultimately delayed, by excessive requirements not integral to the long-range strike mission.