The recent Ukrainian drone strike on Russia’s strategic bomber fleet has raised concerns about the vulnerability of high-value United States aircraft at bases in the homeland and abroad.
US officials acknowledge that the US Air Force lacks hardened shelters to protect its warplanes from airstrikes, including drones. This is despite the fact that Russian planes were found with their roofs open near four Russian air bases, making them vulnerable to attack.
The lack of defenses has been criticized by retired US Army Gen. Stanley McChrystal, who said the US must look at how to protect its bases and aircraft. “We’ve got a lot of high-value assets that are extraordinarily expensive,” he said.
A report from Air and Space Forces magazine revealed that Anderson Air Force Base in Guam, which hosts $2 billion B-2 bombers, has no hardened shelters. This poses a significant threat to US airpower in the Pacific.
The cost of building defenses against drone strikes is estimated at around $30 million per shelter, compared to the initial cost of a new stealth fighter like the F-47, which is expected to be $300 million per aircraft.
Experts argue that investing in hardened shelters and improving US strike capabilities in Asia could help counter China’s growing military presence. However, this would require significant investment in defense spending.
The vulnerability of US warplanes highlights the need for increased investment in air defenses and strategic planning to protect against emerging threats like drones and missiles.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/06/06/world/us-ukraine-drones-intl-hnk