“We continue to work closely with the Air Force on plans to increase the production rate of the program,” Warden said during an earnings call. “Our priority is to establish a mutually beneficial agreement that accelerates the delivery of this game-changing capability to our nation.”
Congress approved $4.5 billion last July to expand B-21 production capacity, and the Air Force plans to allocate the full amount in fiscal year 2026, including funding for both procurement and research and development. While the contract is expected to be substantial, details on production increases remain classified, including whether the goal is to exceed the current program of record of 100 aircraft.
Warden said Northrop Grumman plans to invest between $2 billion and $3 billion over multiple years for what she described as “facilitizing for that acceleration,” without providing further detail. She also confirmed the company received the third low-rate initial production contract in the final quarter of 2025, along with advanced procurement funding for the fifth lot.
Although progress continues, including the first flight of a second B-21 test aircraft, lawmakers have proposed reducing overall B-21 funding in the base fiscal 2026 budget. The proposal cuts procurement funding while increasing research and development spending, resulting in a net reduction that appropriators attributed to classified adjustments.
Source: Air & Space Forces Magazine.
