The second B-21 Raider has arrived in Edwards — the United States is accelerating the testing of a new stealth bomber

Two "Raiders" on the same base — what does it change

The US Air Force has confirmed that the second B-21 Raider bomber has successfully flown to Edwards Air Force Base in California. Now two prototypes are assembled in one place — an important step in the development program. Previously, the tests were slow: one aircraft, limited tasks. Now you can share the load, set up parallel experiments and identify problems faster.

Having two machines on the base means that the program is moving to a new level.

From flight checks to combat systems

Prior to this, the main focus of the tests was to test flight performance. The plane took off, maneuvered, landed. Everything worked stably, without major failures. Now, with two B-21s at their disposal, the Air Force can move on to more complex stages: weapons integration, control systems testing, electronic protection and communications.

This is no longer just flying — it is the transformation of an aircraft into a combat system.

What will the second plane test?

The first B-21 will most likely continue to practice extreme flight modes, aerodynamics, and engine operation. The second one will take over checking the internal systems.: how the aircraft detects threats, how it hides its presence, and how it interacts with other platforms. It is expected that in the coming months the first tests with simulated suspension of weapons, including cruise missiles and nuclear munitions, will begin.

Special attention is paid to protection from modern radars and air defense systems, which have become much smarter than 20 years ago.

Why the B-21 is not just a replacement for old Stealth aircraft

The B-21 is not an updated B-2 Spirit. This is a fundamentally new machine: cheaper to manufacture, easier to maintain, with advanced AI and the ability to work as part of a swarm of drones. It is designed for conditions where the enemy sees almost everything, and the safe zone for bombers has been reduced to a minimum.

His job is to go where others can't. And do it unnoticeably.

Sources

1. Sentry Magazine — B-21 basing across U.S. sites and role in strategic-nuclear modernisation
2. RBC — Second B-21 arrives at Edwards AFB for tests & weapon-integration phase
3. Naked Science — Photos & details of the second B-21 at Edwards
4. Amalantra — First combat-ready B-21 Raiders to fly in 2026
5. Amalantra — Test schedule & introduction plans for the B-21 fleet
6. Kommersant — Test results & future outlook for the B-21 programme
7. Wikipedia — Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider overview

The Pentagon wants to create two "kings of armaments" — who will rule the procurement of the Navy and the Air Force?

The Pentagon seems to have decided to bring order to the chaos with arms purchases. A large—scale reform is currently being discussed: two new super-duties are being created - literally "royal", as they have already been dubbed in behind-the-scenes conversations. These executives will have full control over the largest procurement programs, first the Navy and then the Air Force, and they will report directly to Deputy Secretary of Defense Steve Feinberg. The goal is to speed up decision—making, reduce bureaucracy, and finally bring to mind projects that have been drowning in reports and delays for years.

According to sources, Vice Admiral Robert Gaucher, an experienced commander of the Navy's submarine forces, is being considered for the role of the "tsar" of the submarine fleet. It is he who can take under his wing all underwater programs, including strategic nuclear submarines and the latest torpedoes. And on the Air Force side, Lieutenant General Dale White, the current Deputy Minister of Procurement, is likely to step into this role. He faces a difficult task: overseeing such gigantic projects as the B-21 Raider stealth bomber, the new F-47 fighter jet and, most acutely, the problematic Sentinel intercontinental missile, which has long been overdue and overspent its budget.

The scale of these new positions has not yet been definitively determined, but one thing is clear: the Pentagon is serious about reforming the system. If it works, it could be a turning point for the entire American defense.

The second B-21 is already in the sky: the United States is increasing production of new top-secret bombers

B-21 Raider

New top-secret B-21 Raider bombers continue to appear in the sky. General Thomas A. Bussier, head of the US Air Force Global Strike Command, confirmed that the second copy of the B-21 is already ready for its first flight — it will take off soon.

This is not just a test of a new aircraft. It's a signal. The United States is deliberately increasing the pace of production of these stealth bombers, and they are doing it for a reason. According to the general, this is a direct consequence of the changing global situation — the growth of threats, the strengthening of opponents and the need to have a reliable means for a long-range strategic strike.

The B-21 is the future of American aviation: ultra—stealth, capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear weapons, and designed to penetrate the most protected air spaces. And now it's clear: The US Air Force is not just testing a new product — they are preparing for mass production.

The more B-21s there are in service, the stronger the U.S. ability to strike quickly and stealthily anywhere in the world will become. And, apparently, the era of new strategic bombers has already begun.

The U.S. Air Force will receive two B-21 Raiders in 2026

The US military has officially confirmed that in fiscal year 2026, the US Air Force will receive the first two B-21 Raider strategic bombers, new stealth aircraft designed to form the basis of the country's nuclear triad potential in the coming decades.  

These vehicles will arrive in the so-called "test configuration", that is, they will not be fully operational immediately. But at the same time, they will meet all production standards and will be able to be quickly put into combat mode — for example, by removing unnecessary equipment such as a test nose beam.

Production of the B-21 will take place at the Northrop Grumman plant in Palmdale, California, which is one of the most closed and technologically advanced aerospace plants in the United States.  

The budget for 2026 allocated 10.3 billion dollars to expand production and accelerate the release of the B-21, of which about 4.5 billion will be spent on increasing the production of these aircraft.  

Currently, it is planned to produce 7-8 bombers per year, and the total number of ordered vehicles may range from 100 to 145 units. It depends on how events develop and how quickly production can be established.

The first B-21s will provide partial combat readiness, and full-scale mass deployment will begin in the following years. This is important because the B-21 is not just an upgrade, but a qualitatively new aircraft capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear weapons, while remaining virtually invisible to radar.

So we can say that the era of new strategic bombers begins next year, and the B—21 Raider will become its symbol.

B—21 Raider

The US Air Force is upgrading its arsenal: a request for new GBU-57 bomb fuses

 

GBU-57 bomb

The US Air Force has announced the beginning of a search for new solutions and technologies aimed at improving and expanding the arsenal of super-powerful penetrating ammunition GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP). These bombs were first used in combat in June 2025, when B-2 Spirit attacked Iran's nuclear facilities, dropping 14 such munitions. This event highlighted their strategic value.

One of the key areas of modernization is the development of new fuses that will increase the effectiveness of ammunition when hitting deeply buried and well-protected targets. In addition, the Air Force is also interested in providing additional sources for the production of other important components GBU-57/B, as well as in maintaining current stocks of these high-tech bombs.

A new generation of strategic bombers, including the promising B-21 Raider, will also be equipped with the ability to use MOP. However, according to experts, the B-21 will be able to carry only one such bomb per mission due to its enormous weight and size — more than 14 tons. For comparison, during testing, these bombs were also successfully used from B-52 Stratofortress aircraft.

These actions by the US Air Force indicate long-term plans to maintain superiority in strategic aviation weapons and enhance the ability to defeat hard-to-reach targets. Given the geopolitical tensions and the growing number of well-fortified facilities held by potential adversaries, such munitions are becoming critical elements of the US defense strategy.

The B-2 Spirit nuclear bomber is practicing penetration into the disputed airspace

B-2 Spirit

The B-2 Spirit nuclear bomber, developed by Northrop Grumman, recently underwent large-scale tests as part of a joint exercise between the United States and its allies. This stealth aircraft is capable of penetrating contested airspace, providing a strategic advantage due to its stealth and range.

The B-2 Spirit can reach anywhere in the world in a matter of hours, making it a key element of nuclear deterrence and global force projection. During the exercises, the bomber practiced the tasks of overcoming modern air defense systems and delivering pinpoint strikes against strategic targets.

While the future U.S. Air Force B-21 "Raider" platform continues to attract media attention before its deployment, the B-2 remains an important asset in the arsenal of the U.S. Air Force. Its unique characteristics and capabilities make it indispensable in modern conditions, when issues of airspace control and strategic security are becoming increasingly relevant.

The US Air Force is temporarily relocating the entire B-1B Lancer fleet for the first time in 30 years: preparing for the B-21 Raider era

 The US Air Force has temporarily relocated its entire fleet of B-1B Lancer bombers from Ellsworth Air Force Base (South Dakota). 

This has not happened for 30 years.The relocation is part of a major runway construction project at Ellsworth ahead of the planned deployment of the B-21 Raider, which will see dozens of B-1s relocated to Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota and Andersen Air Force Base on Guam as part of the Bomber Task Force deployment.

The full-scale mobilization underscores the continued strategic importance of the B-1B, even as the B-21 Raider prepares to take on the role of a long-range strike aircraft in the future.

 B-1B Lancer bombers 

U.S. DoD Budget Request Solidifies B-21 Raider Program, Paving Way for Future Air Force Bomber Fleet

 The U.S. Department of Defense has reaffirmed its commitment to the B-21 Raider stealth bomber program in its fiscal year 2025 budget request, ensuring the continuation of the Development and Production Phase (EMD) and the transition to low-speed production Start (LRIP). 

The budget also includes funds for the purchase of parts with a long production time, which is an important step in increasing production. As a next-generation long-range, highly survivable, and penetrating strike bomber, the B-21 Raider is designed to gradually replace the B-1 Lancer and B-2 Spirit, eventually becoming the backbone of the U.S. Air Force bomber fleet.

B-21 Raider

Northrop Grumman: Accelerating B-21 production and prospects in the defense industry

Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider is an American strategic bomber

Northrop Grumman, one of the key players in the global arms market, continues to strengthen its position in the field of high-tech weapons systems. In recent days, the company has announced new contracts and prospects for the implementation of several major programs related to the development of strategic bombers and intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). These events underscore the company's importance as one of the leaders in the U.S. defense industry.

The most significant event was the receipt of the second contract for the initial production of the new B-21 Raider strategic bomber. This aircraft, created to replace outdated models such as the B-1 and B-2, is one of the most advanced projects of modern aviation. The main focus is on its ability to stealth and the ability to strike at a deeply echeloned enemy due to its stealth.

As Northrop Grumman representatives noted, the new contract involves the supply of bombers at a lower cost, which may indicate lower production costs and process optimization. This is especially important given the Pentagon's ambitious plans to upgrade its strategic aviation fleet. 

It is important to note that the company has also held preliminary talks with the US Air Force about a possible acceleration of the B-21 production rate. If these negotiations are successful, it will allow the Air Force to receive new aircraft faster than previously planned. Such an acceleration may be caused by the growing requirements for combat readiness and geopolitical changes in the world, which require the availability of modern means of delivering nuclear weapons and other types of weapons.

In addition to working on the B-21, Northrop Grumman is actively involved in the program to create a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) system, codenamed Sentinel. This program is aimed at replacing outdated Minuteman III complexes that were deployed back in the 1970s. 

According to the company's executives, work on Sentinel is progressing successfully, and important results have been achieved. The system will be equipped with modern technologies that ensure increased accuracy, reliability and survivability in conflict conditions. The management of Northrop Grumman is confident that this program will become an important element of strategic stability in the 21st century.

Another interesting topic raised by the company's representatives was the possibility of participating in the Next-Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program. This is an ambitious Pentagon project to create a new generation of fighter jets that will provide the American Air Force with air dominance in the face of an increased threat from potential adversaries.

Although NGAD has not yet been officially launched, Northrop Grumman has stated its readiness to participate in the competition if it is announced. The company has extensive experience in developing fighter aircraft, including the famous F-5 and F-14 Tomcat, and has the necessary technologies to create a modern fifth or sixth generation fighter. Participation in this program could be another important step in the company's development as a leader in the aircraft industry.

New contracts and development prospects make Northrop Grumman one of the main engines of progress in the defense industry. Projects such as the B-21 Raider and Sentinel demonstrate the company's commitment to innovation and solving complex weapons challenges. If the company does participate in the NGAD program, it will only strengthen its position in the global arms market. 

Meanwhile, the issue of accelerating production of the B-21 and the development of other projects will depend on how quickly the company manages to adapt to new conditions and customer requirements. But it is already clear that Northrop Grumman remains one of the most influential companies in the defense sector, which plays a key role in ensuring the security of the United States and its allies.