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

Special Forces C-130 will receive fighter radars — Northrop Grumman installs APG-83 SABR

What does the fighter radar on the transporter do?

The US Special Operations Command (SOCOM) has made a decision that many will find unexpected: they are installing fighter radars on their C-130 aircraft. We are talking about the AN/APG-83 SABR system from Northrop Grumman, the same one that is used on upgraded F-16 fighters. This is not just a replacement for outdated electronics, but a major breakthrough in the capabilities of machines that fly in the most dangerous areas.

Now these planes will be able to see threats earlier, more clearly and act more accurately.

The APG-83 SABR is not just an upgrade, but a leap forward

The old radars on the AC-130J, MC-130J and HC-130J have long been obsolete. They did a poor job of detecting targets in difficult conditions, especially when flying low or in interference conditions. The APG-83 is an active phased array antenna (AFAR) that operates quickly, accurately, and is resistant to suppression.

He is able to simultaneously track air and ground targets, build detailed radar maps of the area and even helps in pointing weapons. In fact, this is the brain of a modern fighter, transplanted into the onboard system of a transport aircraft.

Where will the new radar be installed

APG-83 radars will be used for three key modifications of the C-130J:

• The AC-130J Ghostrider is an attack aircraft with guns and missiles that operates at night and behind enemy lines.
• The MC-130J Commando II is a special forces entry and evacuation vehicle that often flies in difficult conditions.
• HC-130J Combat King II is a rescue and refueling aircraft that operates in hot spots.

For all of them, survival is a top priority. The new radar dramatically increases the chances of seeing a missile, anti-aircraft gun, or interceptor before it's too late.

Why were special operations waiting for this

SOCOM aircraft often fly alone, without cover, in areas where air defense is tight and maneuver space is minimal. Outdated avionics reduced their effectiveness and increased the risks. Now, with the APG-83, they don't just get "better eyesight" — they get an advantage.

It's like giving a scout not binoculars, but a thermal imager with magnification and GPS. Such a step is not a whim, but a necessity. And now special operations can work more accurately, more safely and further from the front line.

Sources: 

1. The Aviationist (Sep 1 2025) — 147-radar buy to modernize AC-130J, MC-130J and HC-130J; AESA upgrade boosts survivability and mission sets.
2. Aviation Week (Aug 28 2025) — USAF to swap mechanical AN/APN-241 radars for proven F-16-derived APG-83 AESA across 64 MC-130J, 39 HC-130J and 30 AC-130J aircraft.
3. Twitter @TheAviationist — quick confirmation of the APG-83 SABR choice for SOCOM C-130s.
4. HigherGov.com — contract notice for APG-83 components supporting the SOCOM C-130 radar upgrade program.

New concept image reveals details of the U.S. Navy's secret F/A-XX fighter jet

The secrecy surrounding the sixth-generation F/A—XX fighter program for the US Navy has eased slightly after one of the key participants in the competition, Northrop Grumman, published a new conceptual image of its version of a carrier—based combat aircraft. The rendering, posted on the company's official website in the section dedicated to naval aviation, shows the front of the future fighter jet against the background of an aircraft carrier deck.

Although the image does not show the wings, tail unit or the full appearance of the aircraft, it provides important design clues: a pointed nose, characteristic fuselage lines, as well as elements indicating low radar visibility (stealth technology) are noticeable. The locations of sensors and antennas are also visible, which indicates a high degree of integration of sensors and communication systems.

Unlike the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program The US Air Force, focused on gaining air superiority, the F/A-XX is being developed taking into account the specifics of naval operations. Its main tasks are strikes against ground and surface targets, fleet support, and operations in remote theaters of war, especially in the Pacific region.

China's growing naval power and the geographical features of the Pacific Ocean require the new fighters to have increased flight range, greater autonomy and the ability to operate as part of a network-centric combat system, including interaction with unmanned loyal wingmen (CCA) and aircraft carrier groups.

Northrop Grumman, Boeing and Lockheed Martin are involved in developing concepts for the F/A-XX. The U.S. Navy has not yet disclosed the full requirements, but it is clear that the sixth—generation fighter will be the centerpiece of a future carrier air group - combining high stealth, advanced electronics, artificial intelligence, and likely partial or full autonomy.

The Phantom from Northrop Grumman is a compact combat laser for the new tactical capabilities of the US Army

Northrop Grumman has unveiled the revolutionary Phantom combat laser, which promises to change combat tactics due to its compactness and power. This powerful, high—energy laser occupies only about 12 cubic feet (approximately 0.3 cubic meters) and weighs less than 90 kg - about the size of a small refrigerator. Thanks to this, it can be transported and installed by only two people, which makes the Phantom extremely mobile and convenient for tactical use.

The laser power is about 10 kW, which is enough to work effectively in various combat conditions, including hitting drones, projectiles and other targets. The Phantom is designed to operate in extreme conditions and high reliability, which is especially important for military operations.

However, the Phantom is not yet a full—fledged weapon - it is a laser generator that needs to be integrated with power systems and optics to guide and focus the beam. The main task of Northrop Grumman engineers is to keep the device compact and at the same time increase its power. This approach could pave the way for the introduction of high-energy lasers into future combat systems and significantly enhance the combat capabilities of the US Army.

In the long term, such lasers can significantly enhance defense capabilities, especially in the fight against drones and various threats on the battlefield.

Antenna integration for the world's most powerful radar tracking system has begun in Western Australia

Northrop Grumman, together with the United States Space Forces Space Systems Command (USSF), has successfully completed the first stage of ground-based antenna integration at Site 1 of the Advanced Deep Space Radar Capabilities Center (DARC) in Western Australia. This is an important step in the implementation of a large-scale program to create the world's most powerful radar system designed to track objects in deep space.

DARC (Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability) is designed to significantly enhance the U.S. ability to track and analyze space objects — from satellites to potentially dangerous space debris — over vast distances. The system will use several highly sensitive antennas distributed across different geographical locations to ensure continuous and comprehensive monitoring of near-Earth and deep space.

Western Australia has been selected as one of the key locations due to its geographical location, which provides optimal coverage of the southern hemisphere. The successful antenna integration at this site was the first demonstration of the technology's operability under the USSF program.

The full deployment of DARC is also planned on other continents, which will create a global tracking network. This system will become an important element of space security and defense, providing more accurate positioning of objects and warning of potential threats.

Northrop Grumman and Lithuania join forces to produce ammunition: a new step in strengthening NATO's defense

Northrop Grumman, one of the world leaders in the defense industry, has signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Lithuanian Ministries of Defense and Finance — and this could be a turning point for regional defense. The agreement reached at the NATO Defense Industry Forum in The Hague is aimed at expanding the joint production of medium-caliber ammunition in Lithuania in partnership with Nammo. This is not just a deal — it is a strategic initiative to create a more sustainable and faster supply chain of ammunition for the needs of both the Lithuanian army and NATO allies.

Why is this necessary? After the events in Ukraine, it became clear that the alliance's ammunition reserves were running out, and they needed to be replenished quickly and locally. Lithuania, due to its geographical location and readiness for modernization, is becoming an increasingly important defense hub in the eastern part of NATO. Production on its territory will reduce logistics chains, increase efficiency and reduce dependence on supplies from overseas.

Northrop Grumman contributes technology, expertise, and global standards, while Lithuania contributes infrastructure and strategic engagement. Together with Nammo, which specializes in ammunition, this alliance can become a model of effective transatlantic cooperation. The goal is clear: to increase combat readiness, strengthen sovereignty, and show that NATO is not just talking about readiness, it is building it. Brick by brick. And the cartridge.

Northrop Grumman handed over the "brain" of air defense: delivery of key components of the IBCS system for the US Army has been completed

The American defense giant Northrop Grumman has announced a major achievement in the program to create a new air defense and missile defense system for the US Army. The company has fully completed the delivery of all major end products (MEI) under the Initial Mass Production (LRIP) contract for the Integrated Combat Control System (IBCS).

This is not just another shipment of equipment. This means that all the key "building blocks" — computing complexes, servers, software and interfaces — necessary to create a single "brain" of air defense have been delivered to the customer. IBCS is a revolutionary architecture that integrates radars, launchers, and other sensors from different manufacturers into a single network. Instead of each complex "seeing" only its own part of the sky, IBCS gives commanders a single, holistic and maximally accurate view of the situation, allowing them to make decisions faster and more efficiently.

Completing this delivery is a huge step forward. It officially confirms the combat readiness of the system and removes the main obstacles to its accelerated deployment in real combat units of the US Army around the world. The army can now begin mass integration of IBCS into its anti-aircraft battalions, dramatically increasing their effectiveness and ability to counter modern threats such as ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones.

Merlin will teach you how to fly autonomously: the company integrates its pilot into the Northrop Grumman Beacon test platform

Merlin, a renowned developer of technologies for guaranteed autonomous control of fixed-wing aircraft, has announced an important partnership. It has entered into an agreement with the defense industry giant, Northrop Grumman, to integrate its Merlin Pilot system into the new Beacon testing ecosystem.

The Beacon system, introduced in June 2025, is not just another stand. This is a new generation open test environment created by Northrop Grumman to accelerate the development and deployment of autonomous technologies for aviation. Beacon provides partners such as Merlin with the opportunity to test, validate and refine their autonomous flight systems in conditions as close as possible to the real requirements of government and military customers.

The integration of Merlin Pilot into Beacon is a significant step forward. It allows Merlin to test its technology on an advanced platform, speeding up the path from concept to certification and practical application. For Northrop Grumman, this is an opportunity to fill its Beacon ecosystem with the best available solutions from leading developers, strengthening its position in the race for autonomous combat systems.

The US Space Force has given 37 million to five companies for "impenetrable" satellite communications

 

The US Space Force has made a bet on the future of military communications: They selected five large companies to develop a new generation of secure tactical satellite communications, a technology that will allow troops to communicate anywhere in the world, even in the face of severe interference or cyber attacks.

The list of lucky ones includes: Boeing, Northrop Grumman, Viasat, Intelsat and Astranis. Each of them will receive a share of the total pie — $37.2 million distributed over six-month contracts. The goal is simple: in six months to propose prototypes or concepts of systems that can operate in combat conditions while remaining resistant to suppression, hacking and electronic attacks.

Such a connection is critically important. Imagine: a SWAT team in a remote desert, a drone over enemy territory, or a ship in the open ocean — they all need to transmit data quickly and reliably without fear that the signal will be intercepted or jammed. This is exactly what the new "secure tactical communications" is supposed to provide.

Of particular interest is the participation of Astranis, a relatively young player specializing in miniature satellites. This may mean that the Pentagon is looking not only for powerful, but also flexible, quick-to-deploy solutions.

So far, this is only the initial stage — six months for ideas and prototypes. But it's already clear: The United States is preparing for the wars of the future, where control of space and communications decides everything. And now they have a team that must make sure that American troops are always in touch — and out of enemy reach.

Northrop Grumman is building a "Golden Dome" for America — and wants to be in charge of the new air defense

 The American giant of the defense industry Northrop Grumman has stated that it will not just be a participant, but a key player in the Pentagon's large—scale missile defense system called the Golden Dome for America. Does it sound like fiction? In fact, this is a new US strategy to create a unified, super—powerful air defense network capable of intercepting missiles, drones, and even hypersonic weapons.

Northrop Grumman is actively expanding its participation in the Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) program. The company already supplies radars, control systems, sensors and software that link everything together — from satellites to interceptor missiles. Now they want to become the "brain" of this whole system.

Why now? Because the threats are growing: China, Russia, and North Korea are all actively testing new missiles, including hypersonic ones. And the United States understands that the old systems are not enough. We need a unified network that sees everything, thinks fast and hits accurately.

In addition, the demand for such technologies is growing not only in the United States, but also abroad — the allies want to protect themselves. And Northrop Grumman is ready to supply not only components, but also entire defense architectures.

So the Golden Dome is not just a metaphor. This is an attempt to create an impenetrable shield over America and its allies. And Northrop Grumman is already building a place for itself at the center of this system.

For the first time from the outside: What Northrop's Autonomous Beacon Test Aircraft looks like

Northrop Grumman has finally revealed its secret Beacon project in its entirety — not in a hangar or on diagrams, but directly outdoors. This is the first full-fledged look at what their flying "artificial intelligence laboratory" looks like.

The Beacon is not just a drone. This is part of a large ecosystem of tests created in order to accelerate the development of autonomous aircraft — those that can fly without a pilot or with him at will (these are called *optionally manned*).

The Model 437 Vanguard aircraft from Scaled Composites was used as a basis, a twin—engine machine that is already technologically advanced in itself. But Northrop has seriously redesigned it: they have implemented their own electronics, control systems, and, most importantly, artificial intelligence—based software that teaches the machine to make decisions in flight itself: maneuver, respond to threats, and set a route.

Imagine: a plane is flying, sees another car on the course, and decides for himself how to dodge. Or he gets a new task and rebuilds the mission on the go. This is exactly what is being tested on Beacon.

Now that the platform is shown from the outside, it becomes clear how close it is to real tests in the air. This is not a mock—up, but a working device that should pave the way for the future of aviation, where AI will not be an assistant, but a full-fledged "pilot".

Northrop Grumman and the US Air Force have found a way out of the impasse with Sentinel missiles

Do you remember that big scandal surrounding the new American LGM-35A Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile? The project, which Northrop Grumman is engaged in, is literally stuck: the cost has skyrocketed, and deadlines are shifting, and work on the launch complexes had to be frozen. It was a real headache for both the company and the US Air Force.

But it seems that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. The CEO of Northrop Grumman officially announced today: the company and the US Air Force have finally reached an agreement to restructure this entire problematic program. What does this mean in a simple language? They sat down at the negotiating table, reviewed their plans, perhaps redistributed money and risks, and now they have found a common language.

The most important thing is that work on the launch complexes has resumed. Workers can dig, concret, and build infrastructure for new rockets again. This is a huge step forward, because without ready-made silos, the Sentinel rocket itself will simply have nowhere to put it.

The program to replace the old Minuteman III missiles with modern Sentinels is a cornerstone in updating the American ground—based nuclear shield. The delays were critical, and the pressure on Northrop Grumman was enormous. Now, after this agreement, the project seems to be heading in the right direction again.

Northrop Grumman is testing space interceptors for the Golden Dome — the race for the contract is underway

The situation around the grandiose American program about the Golden Dome is heating up. Northrop Grumman said it has already begun ground tests of orbital interceptor missiles designed for this system. This is a serious step forward and a clear signal to competitors.: We're in the game, and we're not just drawing on paper anymore.

The Golden Dome program itself is an ambitious plan to create a multi—layered shield against missile threats, including sensors in space, interceptors and powerful control systems. The goal is to intercept ballistic and possibly hypersonic missiles at the earliest stages of flight, right in space. Northrop Grumman, as one of the key contractors, has already received a major contract for this program.

However, so far everything is not so simple. It turns out that the US military itself has not yet fully decided on exactly what characteristics these space interceptors should have. The requirements are still being clarified, which creates some uncertainty. That is why the competition between companies for the right to supply components for the Golden Dome is becoming especially heated. Everyone wants to take their place in this multibillion-dollar project until the rules of the game are finally fixed. It turns out that Northrop Grumman is already testing missiles, but the customer has not yet said exactly which missiles he needs. An interesting situation!

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

Northrop Grumman successfully tested an air-launched ballistic missile for the US missile defense system

 

The American company Northrop Grumman conducted a successful test of a ballistic target missile dropped from a C-17 transport aircraft. This test was an important milestone in the development of US missile defense capabilities, demonstrating the effectiveness of air launch to simulate modern threats.

The target missile is a new class of high-precision ballistic threat emulators designed for comprehensive testing of integrated missile defense systems. Advanced technologies were used during the test, including:

- Modern avionics for flight control  

- Modular vehicle upgrade kits  

- Solid-fuel rocket engines  

- Special payloads simulating real combat elements

The air launch test allows for a more realistic simulation of ballistic missile attacks, improving the quality of verification and improvement of missile defense systems. Using a C-17 transport aircraft to drop a target provides flexibility and responsiveness in conducting tests under various conditions.

The development and improvement of missile defense systems remains a priority for the U.S. Department of Defense in the face of growing threats from potential adversaries. Northrop Grumman tests contribute to improving the reliability and efficiency of systems, ensuring the protection of national security.

Hanwha Systems and Northrop Grumman sign memorandum of cooperation on integrated air defense and missile defense systems

Hanwha Systems (CEO Song Jae-il) has announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Northrop Grumman, a leading American defense contractor, in early 2025. The agreement is aimed at cooperation in the field of integrated air and missile defense (IAMD) technologies.

Main areas of cooperation:

- Development and exchange of technologies for integrated management and control of air defense systems.

- Research of new business opportunities in the South Korean market.

- Joint work on innovative solutions to improve the efficiency of defense systems.

This partnership opens up prospects for strengthening the defense potential of both companies and expanding their influence in the field of modern air defense and missile defense systems.

Hanwha Systems and Northrop Grumman sign memorandum on joint development of integrated air defense systems

On June 16, 2025, the South Korean company Hanwha Systems and the American defense contractor Northrop Grumman officially signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the joint development of integrated air defense (air defense) systems. This strategic partnership aims to create a multi-layered and interoperable air defense architecture capable of effectively countering modern and increasingly complex aerial threats.

The announcement of the cooperation was made against the backdrop of growing demand for advanced air defense systems both in the Indo-Pacific region and in NATO theaters. The new integrated system will combine Hanwha Systems' advanced radar technology with Northrop Grumman's innovative Air and Missile Defense Combat Control System (IBCS).

It is expected that this cooperation will significantly enhance the operational capabilities of air defense systems, provide faster and more accurate data processing, and improve coordination between various platforms and defense assets. This will effectively detect, track, and neutralize a wide range of threats, from drones and cruise missiles to ballistic and hypersonic targets.

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.

Strategic High-Altitude Reconnaissance Drones: From RQ-4 Global Hawk and WZ-7 Soaring Dragon to Saetbyol-4 and RQ-180 White Bat

Reconnaissance has always been one of the key factors determining victory in wars and armed conflicts. Today, strategic reconnaissance for the armed forces (AF) of the world's leading military-technical powers is carried out by reconnaissance satellites, piloted high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft, and reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

A separate niche can be singled out for stratospheric UAVs—pseudo-satellites that can potentially hover at altitudes above 25 kilometers for months, performing reconnaissance tasks, relaying communication signals, and even providing navigation signals.

United States

U-2S Dragon Lady 

Since 1957, the United States has been operating the high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft Lockheed U-2, capable of conducting surveillance at altitudes around twenty kilometers. It became infamous after one such aircraft was shot down by a Soviet surface-to-air missile system (SAM) near Sverdlovsk, and its pilot, F. Powers, was taken prisoner.

Nevertheless, the vulnerability of Lockheed U-2 aircraft to SAM fire did not render them useless—flights simply began to be conducted along borders without violating airspace, and the high altitude allowed the U-2 to peer hundreds of kilometers into the territory of a potential adversary. The latest modification of reconnaissance aircraft, the U-2S Dragon Lady, is still in service, and since its introduction, its flight and technical characteristics (FTC) in terms of flight range and tactical and technical characteristics (TTC) in terms of reconnaissance equipment capabilities have significantly improved.

However, there are rumors that the U-2S Dragon Lady may be retired from service next year, but the US Congress may well block this decision—it happens quite often there.

RQ-4 Global Hawk

In 2004, the US Armed Forces acquired another high-altitude reconnaissance platform—the strategic reconnaissance UAV RQ-4 Global Hawk. Although the flight and technical characteristics (FTC) of the RQ-4 Global Hawk in terms of flight altitude (around 16 kilometers) are somewhat inferior to those of the reconnaissance aircraft U-2S (21 kilometers), it has significantly greater range and endurance—its patrol time can reach up to 36 hours.

We encounter the consequences of the existence of this machine in practice—strategic reconnaissance UAVs RQ-4 Global Hawk regularly "hang around" over the Black Sea and the territories of NATO countries near the Ukrainian border, and considering the possible range of their reconnaissance equipment, who knows how many attacks on our military and civilian objects have been planned based on the information they provide.

Incidentally, based on the patrol routes of the RQ-4 Global Hawk UAVs, one can roughly determine the capabilities of the reconnaissance equipment of this machine.

Currently, in the United States, under conditions of increased secrecy, the reconnaissance UAV RQ-180 by Northrop Grumman is being developed and operated. It is believed that the emergence of the RQ-180 UAV was the reason for the US Air Force's (USAF) decision to stop further development of the RQ-4 Global Hawk UAV line.

RQ-180

There is very little information about the RQ-180 UAV. The prototype of the RQ-180 made its first flight on August 3, 2010, from the US military airfield in Nevada—Area 51. It is likely a fairly large machine—satellite images of Area 51 show large hangars capable of accommodating aircraft with a wingspan of around 40 meters. According to open sources, the first serial RQ-180 entered service in January 2017.

Development of the RQ-180 UAV was funded from the USAF's classified budget; the development contract was awarded in 2008. Judging by Northrop Grumman's financial reports, the contract cost was around $2 billion.

A key feature of the RQ-180 UAV is its reduced detectability from all directions and in all wavelength ranges, primarily in terms of radar cross-section over a wide range of wavelengths. At the same time, the glider of the RQ-180 UAV possesses the highest aerodynamic efficiency previously available only to sports gliders.

It is believed that this is a new generation of high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft capable of operating in an area saturated with enemy air defense systems (ADS). Presumably, the RQ-180 UAV was developed to perform missions previously carried out by the high-speed reconnaissance aircraft SR-71, only instead of relying on speed superiority to penetrate enemy airspace, it relies on extreme stealth.

Presumably, the RQ-180 UAV carries active and passive reconnaissance systems, including a radar with an active phased array antenna (APAA). In addition, the RQ-180 UAV is equipped with electronic warfare (EW) systems, likely intended to disrupt the attacks of enemy air-to-air and surface-to-air missiles.

It can also serve as a communications relay for bombers like the B-2 and B-21, as well as for fighters such as the F-22 and F-35, and possibly other combat units. The RQ-180 UAV is capable of patrolling for 24 hours at an altitude of up to 18,000 meters, covering a distance of 24,000 kilometers.

 China

WZ-7 Xianglong / Soaring Dragon

China has developed and is mass-producing an analogue of the US UAV RQ-4 Global Hawk—the strategic reconnaissance UAV Chengdu WZ-7 Xianglong / Soaring Dragon ("Xianglong" or "Soaring Dragon") with a so-called annular wing—lower wings of normal sweep and upper wings of reverse sweep with downward-curved flaps that connect the upper wings to the midsections of the lower wings.

The length of the WZ-7 Chengdu Xianglong UAV is 14.3 meters, wingspan is 25 meters, height is 5.4 meters, takeoff weight is 7.5 tons, and payload is up to 650 kilograms. The turbojet engine provides the WZ-7 UAV with a speed of up to 950 kilometers per hour and a range of 7,000 kilometers at an altitude above 18 kilometers. The reconnaissance range using radar with an active phased array antenna is 550 kilometers.

As we can see, on paper, the "Soaring Dragon" is no less capable than the "Global Hawk." Incidentally, the Chinese have also developed a naval analogue of the WZ-7 UAV, similar to the naval version of the RQ-4 Global Hawk—the MQ-4C Triton UAV.

North Korea

Interestingly, North Korea has also developed its own analogue of the RQ-4 Global Hawk UAV—the strategic reconnaissance UAV Saetbyol-4 ("Saetbyol-4" or "Rising Star-4"), which is visually very close to the original.

Saetbyol-4

Of course, the tactical and technical characteristics (TTC) and flight and technical characteristics (FTC) of the Saetbyol-4 UAV are unknown. In some sources, it is even claimed that this machine is based on the Chengdu J-7 fighter jet (a copy of the Soviet MiG-21), although this seems unlikely. The capabilities of the reconnaissance equipment installed on it are also unknown, but this UAV flies, meaning that at least in the form of some prototype, it exists.

Northrop Grumman Presents Supersonic Anti-ship Capability Concept using SACS at Combined Naval Event 2025

 The concept, first presented at the Combined Naval Event 2025, will allow network strikes against ships and ground targets using barrage capsules, combining existing capabilities with existing weapons systems.Northrop Grumman has unveiled a new supersonic anti-ship capability concept for U.S. Navy submarines by combining its AARGM-ER anti-radar missile with a low-visibility accessible Capsule System (SACS) — A vertically launched underwater vehicle capable of carrying a wide range of non-marine payloads.Northrop Grumman's work on the Stealthy Affordable Capsule System (SACS) began in 2002. The first tests were completed in 2003, which confirmed the capsule's ability to launch non-marine UAVs. During the 2005 Exercise Silent Hammer trials, the capsule was tested aboard the USS Georgia (SSGN-729) in order to improve US Navy submarines in counterterrorism missions.

The NAVSEA presentation at the Joint Undersea Warfare Technology Conference in 2002 presented the concepts of SACS as an underwater launch platform from a flexible payload Module (FPM) developed for the SSGN class Ohio.