The B-21 Raider, the United States Air Force’s highly anticipated next-generation stealth bomber, has officially entered the production phase, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s defense capabilities.
The Raider, a dual-capable penetrating strike stealth bomber, is poised to shape the future of U.S. airpower with its advanced technology and versatile mission capabilities.
Crafted to seamlessly integrate into the high-threat environments of tomorrow, the B-21 Raider stands as a testament to American ingenuity and strategic foresight.
Priced between $550 and $692 million per unit, depending on the base year dollar calculation, it encapsulates a fusion of conventional and nuclear munitions, aligning with the strategic goal to deter aggression and maintain global stability.
Northrop Grumman, the aerospace and defense technology company, has taken the lead on the B-21 program under the guidance of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment and the Secretary of the Air Force.
The bomber’s development emphasizes an open systems architecture, enabling smooth modernization processes to address evolving threats.
The Air Force has announced that at least 100 B-21 Raiders will be manufactured, with Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota designated as the first main operating base and enter them into service in the mid-2020s.
The Air Force Test Center at Edwards Air Force Base in California is scheduled to host the Combined Test Force for the bomber, with Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma overseeing depot planning for sustainment.
Reflecting the legendary Doolittle Raiders, the B-21’s nomenclature honors their World War II surprise attack on Japan and symbolizes the bomber as a pioneering force in 21st-century warfare.
With its nuclear and conventional munitions, the Raider’s primary function will ensure America’s enduring airpower capability.
In an official confirmation by the Pentagon, production of the B-21 ‘Raider’ stealth bomber was given the green light following the success of ground and flight tests.
“As shared by the U.S. Air Force, the Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider has entered low-rate initial production.
Our team received the contract award after B-21 entered flight testing within the program baseline schedule.
Our production representative test aircraft indicated readiness for production, achieving all flight performance and data requirements,” Northrop Grumman said in a statement.
Despite worries about profitability in the initial production batches, as expressed by Northrop Grumman executives, the company has indicated that the B-21 signifies a new era for U.S. air power with its advanced data integration.