Northrop Grumman and the U.S. Air Force are accelerating production capacity of the B-21 Raider to deliver combat capability faster.
A new report by the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies warns that current U.S. bomber plans are inadequate for winning a future conflict with China and calls on the Air Force to build at least 200 B-21 Raider stealth bombers.
Northrop Grumman expects to reach an agreement with the U.S. Air Force by the end of March to accelerate production of the B-21 bomber, according to Chief Executive Officer Kathy Warden.
Multiple B-21 Raider bombers are currently undergoing ground tests, with Northrop Grumman preparing them to join the two aircraft already in flight testing, company president and CEO Kathy Warden confirmed on 21 October.
The second B-21 Raider bomber has completed a follow-up flight after its delivery from Northrop Grumman to the U.S. Air Force, marking a rise in the pace of testing.
The second B-21 Raider, which first flew on 11 September, will be used to test weapons and mission systems for the new stealth bomber, Northrop Grumman told Air & Space Forces Magazine.
The U.S. Air Force has revealed the first photograph showing two Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider stealth bombers together at Edwards Air Force Base.
The U.S. Department of the Air Force announced the arrival of the second B-21 Raider flight test aircraft on 11 September at Edwards Air Force Base, California.
Northrop Grumman is also preparing the Air Force to operate and maintain the B-21 through advanced training and management tools.
According to Defense One, a second B-21 Raider test flight is expected to take place before the end of 2025, with a senior Air Force official stressing the need for progress without imposing rigid deadlines.
The U.S. Air Force has said a decision on the final size of the B-21 Raider bomber fleet will not be made soon, as U.S. Strategic Command (STRATCOM) continues a long-term analysis of requirements.
Northrop Grumman executives noted that the B-21 program could eventually exceed 10% of company revenues, depending on the final terms of the accelerated production arrangement.
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