Northrop Grumman has increased production of the B-21 Raider, the U.S. Air Force’s newest stealth bomber, following the approval of a second low-rate initial production (LRIP) contract in late 2024. The move reflects confidence in the aircraft’s technical progress and production efficiency.
The U.S. Air Force plans to acquire at least 100 B-21s, each costing $692 million.
Northrop Grumman built test aircraft on the actual production line, allowing workers to improve efficiency early. Tom Jones, President of Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems, said this approach has optimized production for long-term affordability.
The B-21 was developed using digital engineering, allowing Northrop Grumman to test and refine software and hardware before production began. The test aircraft completed 200 flights and 1,000 flight hours before its first official test flight.
New manufacturing technologies, including augmented reality, robotics, and artificial intelligence, have cut production hours by one-third in some areas. Software certification time has also been reduced by 50%, allowing faster updates and fewer errors.
“We only had to make one software change in the first year of flight testing,” Jones said, underscoring the program’s reliability.
The B-21 is designed for easy maintenance, reducing downtime between missions. The Combined Test Force (CTF) at Edwards Air Force Base has already conducted multiple test flights per week, showing strong early performance.
The Air Force will first deploy the B-21 Raider at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota, with future locations planned at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri and Dyess Air Force Base in Texas.
The B-21 Raider is designed to operate alone or as part of a network, using offboard sensors and platforms to enhance its capabilities. It will be a key part of the U.S. Air Force’s long-term strategy to maintain global air superiority.
“With its advanced technology and efficient production, the B-21 will be the most advanced bomber ever built,” Jones said.
