Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider: two next-generation stealth bombers seen together for the first time [PHOTO]

Both aircraft are now assigned to the 420th Flight Test Squadron at Edwards, forming the core of the B-21 Combined Test Force. The base has long served as a hub for Air Force test and evaluation and underwent significant expansion in the late 2010s to prepare for the Raider programme.

Alongside the flying test aircraft, at least two non-flying B-21 airframes are being used for ongoing evaluation. Four further pre-production bombers are currently in different stages of construction at Northrop Grumman’s Plant 42 facility.

As of January, Northrop Grumman had also received two contracts for low-rate initial production of additional B-21 Raiders. The programme marks a major step in developing the U.S. Air Force’s next-generation long-range strike capability.