B-21 still makes ‘good progress’ towards possible first flight this year
Artist’s impression of the B-21 Raider bomber being developed by Northrop Grumman. (Image: Northrop Grumman)
The USAF says the B-21 Raider bomber — currently in the Engineering and Manufacturing Development phase — is on track for initial deliveries in the mid-2020s.
The B-21 Raider next-generation long-range strike aircraft programme for the USAF is progressing towards a first flight – possibly this year – as well as initial production, backed by a nearly $30 billion commitment in the Pentagon’s spending plan and the confidence of senior leaders.
As a Special Access Program (and a follow-on platform to the B-2 stealth bomber), key details regarding the B-21 are exempt from the usual disclosures required of all big-ticket weapon systems; but DoD officials have outlined recent developments in broad terms.
‘The B-21 is making good progress,’ Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall said
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![Airbus Helicopters is deepening its European reach as NATO orders climb]()
Airbus Helicopters is deepening its European reach as NATO orders climb
Airbus has delivered more than 2,000 helicopters to nations across Europe, and continues to solidify its position at the heart of the region’s defence industrial base.
-
![Singapore Airshow 2026: Rafael highlights tailored effector solutions for different operational needs]()
Singapore Airshow 2026: Rafael highlights tailored effector solutions for different operational needs
Shephard spoke with Rafael’s CEO about the company’s effector offerings as well as his perspective on one-way attack drones.
-
![World Defense Show 2026: L3Harris to achieve full-rate production of Viper Shield soon]()
World Defense Show 2026: L3Harris to achieve full-rate production of Viper Shield soon
L3Harris has completed the production candidate software load for its Viper Shield airborne electronic warfare system and is conducting sea trials with its VAMPIRE counter-drone system.
-
![Singapore Airshow 2026: Airbus-RSAF H225M teaming tests point to future scalability]()
Singapore Airshow 2026: Airbus-RSAF H225M teaming tests point to future scalability
The tests between a Republic of Singapore Air Force H225M and Airbus Flexrotor uncrewed aerial system were designed to allow the crew to receive and process real-time data from the UAS while maintaining direct command and control.
