Northrop Grumman Accelerating B-21 Raider Production
(Photo credit: Northrop Grumman)
Northrop Grumman, in collaboration with the U.S. Air Force, is ramping up production capacity of the B-21 Raider, aiming to provide unmatched combat capabilities more swiftly. This program reflects Northrop Grumman’s dedication to advancing technology and addressing defense needs promptly.
“The strong performance of the B-21 program has our Northrop Grumman and Air Force team ready to accelerate production of this game-changing capability for our nation,” said Kathy Warden, chair, chief executive officer and president of Northrop Grumman. “Northrop Grumman has invested more than $5 billion in digital engineering and manufacturing infrastructure, and we are ready to produce the B-21 faster.”
Additional Details
The B-21 is under production with its final assembly taking place at Northrop Grumman’s Palmdale, California facility, along with other manufacturing operations throughout the United States. The first B-21 aircraft is scheduled to arrive at Ellsworth Air Force Base in 2027.
“Getting the B-21 Raider into the hands of our Air Force operators and maintainers is the mission of thousands of dedicated Northrop Grumman team members,” stated Tom Jones, corporate vice president and president of Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems. “We have delivered continued outstanding performance on the B-21 in ground and flight tests, in partnership with the Air Force. Northrop Grumman has designed and built the world’s most advanced stealth bomber, securing American air power far into the future.”
As the B-21 progresses through ground and flight tests, it continues to exceed expectations, reaffirming confidence in its design and production quality.
Northrop Grumman’s advanced digital environment facilitates effective flight test planning and real-time analysis of test data, enhancing test cadence and efficiency as the fleet steadily expands. Combined Test Force maintainers can service the aircraft quickly, demonstrating a promising indicator for the B-21’s future operational capabilities.
The B-21 Raider represents a synergy of strategic investments, innovative technologies, and disciplined execution, ensuring that America remains at the forefront of global defense.
Key Facts about the B-21 Raider:
- Sixth-Generation Stealth: The B-21 Raider utilizes next-generation stealth technologies based on operational experience, allowing it to penetrate sophisticated air defenses with ease and maintain operational secrecy in contested environments.
- Built for Strategic Deterrence: Capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear payloads, the B-21 Raider offers flexible and survivable options for decision-makers across all levels of conflict.
- Mission-Driven Partnership: The development of the B-21 Raider illustrates the effective collaboration between Northrop Grumman and the Air Force, driven by transparency and a commitment to shared success.
- Strategically Investing: Northrop Grumman has committed over $5 billion to enhance the B-21 program’s manufacturing infrastructure, leading to significant reductions in software certification time and ensuring the aircraft remains responsive to technological advancements.
- Delivering Results: B-21 aircraft in flight tests are demonstrating exceptional performance, highlighting the efficiency of the partnership between government and industry in providing capabilities to the warfighter.
- Accelerating Advanced Manufacturing: The company employs advanced manufacturing processes that integrate digital tools, enhancing efficiency and expertise in production while scaling up B-21 output.
- More than a Bomber: As an essential part of the U.S. and allied defense strategy, the B-21 Raider will enhance capability and flexibility in an increasingly complex global environment.
- Ready on Day One: Northrop Grumman is creating comprehensive tools for training and sustaining the B-21, ensuring operational readiness and affordability.
- American-Made Deterrence: A dedicated team of over 8,000 professionals across 40 states collaborating on the B-21’s development — a nationwide effort to enhance national security.
- Bold, Innovative, Courageous: Named after the Doolittle Raid of World War II, the B-21 Raider upholds a legacy of pioneering spirit vital for U.S. air power.
Source: Northrop Grumman (2026-02-23T22:44:00Z)
