The U.S. Air Force has released the first overhead images of the B-21 Raider, offering a rare top-down view of the stealth bomber during aerial refueling tests.
B-21 Raider aerial refueling demonstrates how critical capability is reaching the force faster. A key part of the nuclear triad, it strengthens deterrence & assures allies.
Take a closer look: https://t.co/JozEeUBmSI
— U.S. Air Force (@usairforce) April 15, 2026
The images, taken during recent trials at Edwards Air Force Base in California, show the next-generation bomber receiving fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker. The images provide the clearest view yet of the aircraft’s upper surfaces, including its air intakes and dorsal aerial refueling system.
We’re driving the B-21 Raider program forward at full speed. Aerial refueling unlocks true global strike power, as we accelerate production to secure long-term Air Force dominance. Learn more: https://t.co/yN9NVfo53H pic.twitter.com/ZaBmNWlrg7
— Northrop Grumman (@NGCNews) April 14, 2026
The imagery suggests that the B-21 is smaller than the B-2 Spirit and likely powered by two engines rather than four. The aircraft will carry a smaller weapons payload than the B-2 but significantly more fuel, according to The War Zone.
The B-21, still in development and expected to enter service in 2027, is intended to replace parts of the aging U.S. bomber fleet and provide long-range, stealth-enabled strike capability.
Northrop Grumman, the developer of the B-21 Raider said the refueling event marks a key milestone in the aircraft’s ongoing evaluation.
“With demonstrated aerial refueling, the B-21 proves it can go anywhere in the world and hold any target at risk to deter and defeat threats,” the company said in a statement.
The company called the B-21 “the most fuel-efficient bomber ever built,” saying it consumes a fraction of the fuel used by fourth- and fifth-generation aircraft.
“The B-21’s fuel efficiency is one of the core components of its lethality.” Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach said in an Air Force press release. “This long-range strike bomber will reduce the demand on our tanker fleet and free up assets to support the joint force. This will provide a wider range of employment options and the deterrence our nation requires.”
The Air Force said the B-21 remains on track for continued testing ahead of its planned arrival at Ellsworth Air Force Base in 2027, which is set to become the bomber’s first operational location.
Preparations at Ellsworth are already in progress, with multiple construction projects underway to accommodate the new platform.
Meanwhile, production of the B-21 continues at Northrop Grumman’s Palmdale, California, facility, the same plant that previously produced the B-2 Spirit. The U.S. Air Force plans to procure at least 100 B-21 Raiders, with each aircraft estimated to cost about $692 million.
