Northrop Grumman and US Air Force unveil B-21 stealth bomber
The sixth-generation aircraft is expected to help the USAF to ‘penetrate the toughest defences for precision strikes anywhere in the world'. (Photo: Northrop Grumman)
The B-21 Raider sixth-generation stealth bomber will form the backbone of future USAF air power, and it is set to deliver capability and flexibility through advanced integration of data, sensors and weapons.
Northrop Grumman and the USAF revealed the world’s first sixth-generation stealth bomber, the B-21 Raider on 2 December in California.
The B-21 joins the nuclear triad as a visible and flexible deterrent designed for the USAF to meet its most complex missions.
The sixth-generation aircraft is expected to help the USAF to ‘penetrate the toughest defences for precision strikes anywhere in the world', Northrop Grumman’s press release said. Six bombers are currently in ‘various stages of final assembly’ in California, according to the release.
The introduction of the B-21 marks the first time a new US bomber has been publicly
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![Leonardo signs contract on Austria’s M-346 aircraft order]()
Leonardo signs contract on Austria’s M-346 aircraft order
The first of the 12 M-346 aircraft are expected to be delivered to the Austrian Air Force by 2028, according to the company.
-
![2025 UAV market review: $7.8 billion in new contracts signed as US leads spending]()
2025 UAV market review: $7.8 billion in new contracts signed as US leads spending
Qatar and Indonesia followed the US’s high spending on new uncrewed aerial vehicle contracts across 2025, while MALE and micro drones and loitering munitions were particularly popular subcategories this year.
-
![German Navy in “ramp-up” phase as it welcomes first NH90 Sea Tiger delivery]()
German Navy in “ramp-up” phase as it welcomes first NH90 Sea Tiger delivery
With all 31 aircraft set to be delivered by 2030, the helicopters will gradually replace the ageing Sea Lynx fleet which are due to be retired in 2026.
