United States: Department of the Air Force details B-21 Raider production acceleration deal with Northrop Grumman

Under the agreement, the approved acquisition profile will be accelerated by increasing annual production capacity by 25 percent. Officials stated that this will compress delivery timelines while maintaining cost and performance discipline.

“This is what disciplined acquisition delivers,” said Gen. Dale R. White, director, Critical Major Weapon Systems and direct reporting portfolio manager to the Deputy Secretary of War. “This decision reflects our confidence in the program’s performance and the stability of the industrial base. By increasing production capacity now, we are responsibly accelerating delivery of a critical, combat-effective capability to the warfighter.”

The B-21 Raider program delivered aircraft on schedule in 2025 and remains on track to have aircraft on the ramp at Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, in 2027. The accelerated production agreement builds on that performance, converting program stability into faster fielding of combat capability.

“The B-21 is foundational to our long-range strike capability and to credible deterrence,” said Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink. “Accelerating production capacity now ensures we deliver operational capability to combatant commanders faster — strengthening our ability to outpace, deter, and, if necessary, defeat emerging threats. This is disciplined execution at the speed the security environment demands.”

Currently in flight test, the long-range, penetrating strike aircraft is designed to operate in highly contested environments and hold any target at risk. The B-21 integrates advanced stealth, resilient networking, and a modern, data-driven command and control architecture to ensure the Joint Force retains a decisive advantage in an increasingly complex battlespace.

Source: U.S. Air Force.