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 F-35 will be taught to avoid collisions in the sky — the new system is already being tested at Edwards Air Base

F-35

American and British engineers and pilots are now actively testing a new safety system for the fifth-generation F—35 Lightning II fighter jet - and it is designed to solve one of the most dangerous problems in aviation: the risk of an airborne collision. The Collision Avoidance Manual Deconfliction (CAMD) system is called, and its main purpose is to help the F-35 pilot safely maneuver in congested airspace, especially where both military and civilian aircraft fly.

The tests are being conducted at Edwards Air Force Base in California, the holy of holies of American aircraft development, where the most advanced technologies are tested. There, experts simulate complex aerial scenarios: sudden maneuvers, rendezvous with other aircraft, and flights near civilian routes. CAMD analyzes radar data, warning systems, and position data from other aircraft in real time, and then tells the pilot how to safely change course or altitude to avoid a collision.

What is important is that the system is being developed jointly by the United States and the United Kingdom. British specialists are actively involved in the design and testing, because the F-35 is an international project, and the UK is one of the key partners. Such cooperation accelerates implementation and increases compatibility between the allied Air forces.

Although the F-35 is already equipped with advanced surveillance and warning systems, CAMD goes further.: It doesn't just signal a threat, but suggests specific de—escalation actions, such as "descend 500 feet" or "make a 30-degree right turn." This is especially critical during training flights, near borders or in conditions of limited airspace.

Pilots note that CAMD makes flights not only safer, but also less stressful, especially when there is a lot of equipment around and the situation is developing rapidly. The system works as a "second opinion" from a computer that can save lives.

While CAMD is undergoing the final stages of testing, it is already clear: This is an important step towards ensuring that the F-35 can fly confidently where previously strict restrictions were required.