U.S. Air Force says test B-21 Raider bombers can be made combat-ready, production to expand using existing facilities

The confirmation comes as the 2026 U.S. defence budget allocates $10.3 billion to the B-21 programme, including $4.5 billion to support increased production. Northrop Grumman, the programme’s prime contractor, is manufacturing the aircraft at Plant 42 in Palmdale, California.

The production ramp-up will rely primarily on existing infrastructure, with contributions from major suppliers including BAE Systems, Collins Aerospace, GKN Aerospace, Spirit AeroSystems, and Pratt & Whitney, which produces the aircraft’s engines. The Air Force considers this approach essential for maintaining a stable and efficient production line.

A timeline for Initial Operational Capability has not been made public and will be determined by Air Force Global Strike Command based on classified criteria. The B-21 is scheduled to replace the B-2 Spirit and B-1B Lancer bombers starting in the early 2030s.

Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota will serve as the first operational location and training site for the B-21, with construction work underway since 2021. Earlier this year, Northrop Grumman reported a $477 million charge related to the shift toward higher production rates.

The B-21 Raider is intended to serve as a core element of the Air Force’s future long-range strike capability, offering advanced stealth features, extended global reach, and integration with joint force operations. The service remains committed to acquiring at least 100 aircraft under the programme.

Source: Air and Space Forces Magazine.