Northrop Grumman’s B-21 Raider Powers Unmatched Long-Range Strike Capability
Northrop Grumman is enhancing American airpower with the B-21 Raider, which is proceeding rapidly through its flight test campaign to deliver exceptional warfighting capabilities. The B-21 has successfully demonstrated aerial refueling, proving its ability to reach any global destination and target any threat, thus fulfilling its role in deterrence and defeat.
Northrop Grumman’s B-21 Raider continues to demonstrate outstanding performance as the program moves into more advanced phases of flight tests, including aerial refueling. (Photo Credit: U.S. Air Force)
“Our teams are moving the B-21 Raider through testing at an unprecedented pace, continually proving its outstanding performance – including aerial refueling,” stated Tom Jones, corporate vice president and president of Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems. “We’ve designed and built a reliable, adaptable aircraft that is vital to our warfighters’ missions while operating with a sense of wartime urgency to accelerate production and deliver this capability.”
The B-21 Raider test campaign has expanded to include aerial refueling, extending the stealth bomber’s global reach and enabling longer, more efficient test sorties as evaluations of critical weapons and mission systems continue.
The B-21 Raider conducts aerial refueling with a KC-135 Stratotanker, which is essential to the Raider’s role in projecting power globally. (Photo Credit: Northrop Grumman)
The B-21 Raider is the most fuel-efficient bomber ever produced, consuming significantly less fuel than its fourth- and fifth-generation counterparts. This efficiency decreases the demand for theater tanker logistics and gives operational commanders greater flexibility in force packaging.
With over $5 billion invested in digital technologies and manufacturing infrastructure for the B-21 program, Northrop Grumman is accelerating production, with plans for the first aircraft to arrive at Ellsworth Air Force Base in 2027.
Expanded production capacity ensures greater flexibility to increase the Raider fleet size in alignment with future operational needs. Northrop Grumman is committed to delivering this capability swiftly and at scale, maintaining long-term global strike superiority for the U.S. Air Force.
10 Facts About Northrop Grumman’s B-21 Raider:
The B-21 Raider embodies over thirty years of advancements in strike and stealth technology, representing the next generation of the Air Force strategic bomber fleet and being the world’s first sixth-generation aircraft to enter service.
1. Sixth-Generation Stealth: The B-21 leverages decades of innovation for superior stealth and extended range. Its advanced, fuel-efficient engines and a sleek airframe minimize reliance on tanker support, enhancing mission agility.
2. Built to Deliver Strategic Deterrence: Designed to hold any target at risk globally, the B-21 can deliver both conventional and nuclear payloads, providing flexible and survivable options for decision-makers across conflict spectrums.
3. Mission-Driven Partnership: The B-21’s development showcases collaboration between Northrop Grumman and the Air Force, underpinned by an industry-first agreement that ensures access to valuable data, enhancing affordability and agility in upgrades.
4. Strategically Investing: Northrop Grumman’s investment of over $5 billion in the B-21 program is fostering rapid production growth and ensuring long-term dominance for the U.S. Air Force.
5. Delivering Results that Ensure America Wins: Northrop Grumman’s advanced aircraft systems are delivering impressive flight test results, with multiple B-21s currently exceeding expectations during testing.
6. Accelerating Advanced Manufacturing: Northrop Grumman is utilizing advanced manufacturing processes to improve efficiencies and accelerate B-21 production, ensuring impressive operational capabilities.
7. More than a Bomber: The B-21 combines unparalleled range, access, and payload capabilities, essential for specialized missions vital to U.S. and allied security.
8. Ready on Day One: Comprehensive training and sustainment tools are being developed for the Air Force, ensuring that the B-21 is prepared for operational demands upon entry into service.
9. American Made Deterrence: A team of over 8,000 personnel, together with more than 400 suppliers across 40 states, is working to deliver the B-21 and strengthen national defense.
10. Bold, Innovative, Courageous: Named in honor of the Doolittle Raid, the B-21 Raider embodies the pioneering spirit of innovation and courage that played a pivotal role in shaping U.S. airpower.
Source: Northrop Grumman (2026-04-14T23:42:00Z)
