The Air Force is reported to be studying possible use of a B-21-type bomber for air-to-air operations in the Pacific.

Specifically, the study is considering the possibility of developing a large flying wing stealth aircraft for air-to-air combat operations, such as an air-superiority-optimized variant of the B-21. This large-capacity aircraft would shoot down enemy aircraft after they are detected at range by smaller fighters (e.g., F-35s, F-47s).

This concept would take advantage of the B-21’s stealth features and large weapons payload in addition to its range, which allows for operations across much of the Pacific without heavy reliance on aerial refueling. The new study could result in a major shift in how the Air Force plans to operate the B-21 or B-21 variants, with particular value in a possible war with China, during which the Air Force would likely face large fleets of sophisticated fighters.

See the full report at U.S. Air Force Studying B-21 Bomber Variant For Pacific Air-to-Air Operations Against China.

UPDATE:

War Zone writes that the large flying wing stealth aircraft being considered by the Air Force for air-to-air superiority could be an ‘arsenal plane’ loaded with air-to-air missiles. Also, in addition to being a possible B-21 variant, other potential flying-wing platforms could fill this air-to-air role. Key points made by War Zone are noted below.

An arsenal plane of this kind would be one way of providing a supplement to or even replacing some
new Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) drones. The idea of an uncrewed or optionally crewed
version of the B-21 is not new. A stripped-down model, with no sensors and less communications
capabilities, as well as possibly no pilots and slightly degraded stealth, could drop the current B-21 price
considerably while leveraging its basic airframe.

A platform approximating the size of the B-21 would also be capable of carrying outsized weapons (e.g.,
multi-stage air-to-air weapons ). Regarding large, very long-range air-to-air missiles, one option very
well-suited to the role would be an AIM-174 , the air-launched derivative of the surface-launched SM-6
missile.

Overall, this article suggests that a large and stealthy flying-wing aircraft loaded with air-to-air missiles
might be one way of America maintaining air superiority in the Pacific. For much more information, see here.