(a) In general
Not later than December 1, 2026, the Secretary of the Air Force, in coordination with the Commander of the United States Strategic Command, shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report assessing the feasibility of restoring nuclear capability to the B–1B Lancer bomber aircraft.
(b) Elements
The report required under subsection (a) shall include the following:
A description of any structural, electronic, software, and weapons-integration modifications required to enable the B–1B aircraft to deliver nuclear weapons.
An assessment of the compatibility of such aircraft with currently fielded and planned nuclear gravity bombs and air-launched cruise missiles.
Identification of any military construction, storage, security, and certification infrastructure that would be required at forward operating locations within the continental United States should nuclear capability be restored to such aircraft.
Requirements related to aircrew certification, maintenance training, security forces training, nuclear surety inspections, and personnel reliability programs should nuclear capability be restored to such aircraft.
Estimated research, development, test, evaluation, procurement, operations, and sustainment costs over a the five-year period following the initiation of any efforts to restore nuclear capability to such aircraft.
An assessment of the expected remaining service life of the B–1B aircraft fleet.
The estimated time required to achieve initial operational capability and full operational capability should the Air Force pursue restoring nuclear capability to such aircraft.
An assessment of the military utility and strategic deterrence value of restoring nuclear capability to the B–1B aircraft.
An assessment of any costs and additional requirements to restore nuclear capability across bomber bases.
(c) Form
The report required under subsection (a) shall be submitted in unclassified form but may include a classified annex.