US Air Force Eyes 28,000 Cruise Missiles by 2031 in 'Affordable Mass' Push

The United States Air Force's ambitious plan to acquire 28,000 cruise missiles by 2031 represents a significant strategic pivot, moving towards what is termed "affordable mass." This initiative, detailed in a piece by Stéphane Audrand, a consultant in international risks and a reserve officer in the French Navy, underscores a recognition that sheer quantity, coupled with advanced technology, is crucial in modern warfare.

Audrand highlights that the projected cost per missile, around $428,000, is a fraction of the expense for existing platforms like the Tomahawk. This economic calculus is vital, as it allows for a scale of production and deployment previously unimaginable, moving beyond the era of relying on a limited number of highly sophisticated, expensive assets.

The article frames this development within a larger Western military context, noting that major armed forces are increasingly acknowledging the need to rebuild their arsenals with more numerous, yet still technologically advanced, systems. The historical precedent cited, the 1972 Thanh Hóa bridge bombing in Vietnam, illustrates how precision-guided munitions, even in smaller numbers, revolutionized effectiveness compared to earlier, less accurate methods. However, the current strategy emphasizes that even greater numbers of these effective weapons are now required.

From a French perspective, as articulated by Audrand, this US initiative is not just an American procurement decision but a signal of evolving global military doctrine. The emphasis on "affordable mass" suggests a preparedness for prolonged, high-intensity conflicts where attrition rates could be significant. This contrasts with potentially more limited, technologically focused engagements that have characterized recent Western military interventions. The sheer scale of the US acquisition implies a strategic outlook that prioritizes overwhelming force through sheer volume, a concept that resonates with traditional European military thinking but is now being re-energized by technological advancements.