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

A mysterious invisible aircraft with a "flying wing" design was filmed over China

Mysterious drone in satellite images: the first mentions

At the beginning of the year, analysts and enthusiasts tracking military installations using satellite images discovered an unusual aircraft in China. In the images taken over one of the test sites, a large drone with a "flying wing" configuration was seen — without a tail and with smooth outlines typical of stealth aircraft.

Then the device was seen on the ground, which allowed us to estimate its size and shape. However, there have recently been reports that a similar aircraft has already been spotted in the air, indicating that the project is moving to the flight test stage.

The "flying wing" design: what does it mean

The "flying wing" design is an aviation scheme in which the fuselage and wing are combined into a single lifting surface. This shape reduces radar visibility, improves aerodynamics and increases flight range. This design is actively used in strategic aviation, for example, in the American B-2 Spirit and B-21 Raider bombers.

Given that the Chinese device has a similar shape, it can be assumed that it is being developed using advanced stealth technologies. Its large dimensions indicate the possibility of long-term missions at high altitudes, which is typical for strategic reconnaissance or strike platforms.

Comparison with previously seen samples

The new aircraft shows a clear resemblance to the drone found in satellite images earlier this year. Both objects have a similar shape, wingspan and lack of vertical tail. However, current observations confirm that the device is not just built — it is already being tested in the air.

This indicates significant progress in China's unmanned systems development program. If the initial images raised doubts about the reality of the project, it is now obvious that China is actively developing its own line of large, inconspicuous drones.

Possible purpose of the new aircraft

Although there is no official data on the purpose of the device, experts suggest several options.:

Strategic reconnaissance is a long flight at high altitudes using radar and optical systems.

Long—range attack drone - the ability to carry cruise missiles or precision weapons.

A communications repeater or control node is a role in network warfare and coordination of other drones.

Such a device can become an important element of Chinese military aviation, especially in potential conflicts in the Pacific region, where the ability to operate over long distances with minimal risk is important.

India is building its answer to the B-21 and Tu-160: an ultra-long-range stealth bomber is already in development

India is making a big move in a big geopolitical game. The country has officially announced the development of its own strategic stealth bomber, which will be called the "Ultra-long Range Strike Aircraft" (ULRSA). This will not just be an upgrade of old models, but a step into a completely new class of military aircraft.

The goal of the ambitious project is to make India one of the world's aviation powers. It is assumed that the combat radius of the new bomber will be up to 12,000 kilometers. This means that from a base in India, he will be able to reach and strike almost anywhere — from Europe and Africa to the Pacific region and even the Arctic.

This range dramatically expands the country's strategic capabilities. Prior to this, the Indian Air Force mainly operated on a regional scale — against Pakistan and China. Now we are talking about the possibility of global deterrence, from responding to threats in the Indian Ocean to potentially participating in a long—range strategic game.

The establishment of ULRSA will transform India from a regional military power into a full-fledged player in strategic aviation. Currently, only the United States (B-2 and B-21), Russia (Tu-160, Tu-95) and China (Xian H-20, Tu-22M licensed) have heavy bombers with an intercontinental range. India aims to join this closed club.

Although the exact technical specifications are still being kept secret, it is known that the ULRSA will have:

- stealth technology (low radar visibility),

- nuclear capability — the ability to carry cruise missiles with nuclear warheads,

- high degree of automation and integration into the digital battlefield,

- modern electronic warfare systems to counter air defense.

The ULRSA is not just a new aircraft. This is a strategic turn in India's military policy. The creation of such a bomber will not only strengthen its position in South Asia, but also provide an opportunity to participate in global strategic calculations. If the project can be implemented, India will receive a tool capable of changing the balance of power in the region and taking the country to a new level in international affairs.

NATO countries are developing a strategic plan to modernize military transport aircraft for use as bombers

Analytical data show that NATO countries are actively working on a strategic plan to modernize and arm military transport aircraft with missiles and bombs, turning them into effective platforms for launching attacks. This approach is seen as a more affordable and flexible alternative to traditional strategic bombers.

Key aspects of the strategy

- Modernization of military transport aviation  

  Military transport aircraft are now able to carry high-precision missile and bomb weapons, which allows them to carry out strategic strike missions over long distances.

- Economic efficiency 

  The use of transport aircraft in the role of bombers is significantly cheaper compared to the development and maintenance of specialized strategic bombers, which is especially important in conditions of limited budgets.

- Increasing the strategic aviation fleet  

  This transformation qualitatively expands the strategic aviation potential of NATO, allowing for a rapid increase in strike capabilities without the need to purchase new types of aircraft.

The conversion of military transport aircraft requires the development of new fire control systems, the integration of modern guidance systems and crew safety. In addition, it is necessary to take into account the issues of tactical protection of such platforms in the context of modern counteraction.

Nevertheless, this approach opens up new opportunities for the flexible and scalable use of air forces in strategic operations, increasing NATO's readiness and adaptability to modern threats.

Operation "Web": how the Ukrainian special services attacked distant Russian regions with the help of drones

And this is what the cargo looked like, with the help of which the Ukrainian special services managed to attack distant Russian regions.

The Ukrainian special operation "Spider Web" has become one of the largest attacks on Russian military installations deep in the country. According to the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), drones were used to carry out the operation, which were secretly brought to Russia, packed with explosives and hidden in special containers.

At first, the drones were delivered to the territory of Russia, where special people equipped them with explosives and loaded them into mobile wooden houses or containers placed on trucks. After completing their training, these people left the country. Containers with drones were then transported to military airfields in different regions of Russia.

As the trucks traveled along pre-determined routes, the walls of the containers were remotely opened, and the drones flew out to the targets. As a result of the operation, which lasted about a year and a half and was under the personal control of the head of the SBU Vasily Malyuk, at least two airfields were hit — Olenye (Murmansk region) and Belaya (Irkutsk region).

According to official data, several Russian aircraft were destroyed or damaged during the operation, including the A-50, Tu-95 and Tu-22 M3 strategic bombers. The total damage to the Russian army is estimated at about two billion dollars. The operation was the largest to defeat the strategic aviation of the Russian Federation in the history of the conflict.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky called Operation Spider the "longest-range" and noted that its details would go down in the history books. An important element of the success was the organization of the "office" of the operation directly on the territory of Russia next to the FSB headquarters.

Large-scale drone attack on Russian military installations in Irkutsk, Murmansk and Ryazan regions

On the night of June 1, the first large-scale drone attack on a military facility in Siberia was recorded in the frontline zone of the Irkutsk region. The governor of the region, Igor Kobzev, said that the drones were launched from a truck, the driver of which was detained. According to him, the man did not know about the contents of the cargo and only drove up to a certain point where the drones began to fly out of the body. The operational services promptly blocked the launch source and launched an investigation.

At the same time, attempts to attack military installations using drones were also recorded in the Ryazan region, but all drones were detected and destroyed before reaching their targets.

In addition, Ukrainian drones carried out large—scale strikes on several airfields of Russia's strategic aviation - Olenya in the Murmansk region, Belaya in the Irkutsk region, as well as Ivanovo and Diaghilev in the Ryazan region. According to the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), as a result of the operation codenamed "Spider Web", more than 40 military aircraft were damaged, including Tu-95 and Tu-22 M3 strategic bombers.

The SBU revealed the details of the operation: first, FPV drones were transported across the border, then mobile wooden houses in which drones mounted on trucks were mounted. At the right moment, the roofs of the houses were remotely opened, and the drones rushed to the targets. The operation was personally supervised by the President of Ukraine, Vladimir Zelensky, and its execution was entrusted to the head of the SBU, Vasily Malyuk, and his team.

These attacks indicate a sharp escalation in the threat of the use of strategic nuclear weapons, given the damage to key Russian strategic aviation facilities. The Russian authorities have not yet commented on the extent of the damage, but the fact of the attacks has been officially confirmed.

The United States launches full-scale production of the upgraded B61-13 nuclear aerial bomb

B61-13 nuclear aerial bomb

The United States has announced the start of full-scale production of the upgraded B61-13 nuclear aerial bomb, which will start in July 2025. This was announced by the US National Nuclear Safety Agency (NNSA). The new version of the aerial bomb has a capacity of up to 360 kilotons, making it one of the most powerful warheads in the American nuclear arsenal.

The B61-13 is an upgrade of the previous variants of the B61 family, which were developed during the Cold War and have been updated several times since. The main improvements include increased accuracy thanks to a modern guided tail unit, as well as increased explosive power, which effectively hits fortified and large military installations.

Production of the B61-13 is proceeding at high speed — the first munition was assembled almost a year ahead of schedule. This demonstrates the priority of the US nuclear arsenal modernization program in the face of deteriorating global security and growing nuclear threats from Russia, China and North Korea.

The new aerial bomb will be used by the US strategic aviation and deployed at bases in the continental part of the country. At the same time, the number of warheads in the arsenal will not increase, as the B61-13 will replace outdated models, while providing enhanced deterrence capabilities.

Senior representatives of the Department of Energy and the National Agency for Nuclear Safety emphasize that the modernization of nuclear weapons is necessary to maintain the technological superiority and security of the United States, as well as to provide the president with additional options in the field of strategic deterrence.

The US Air Force is restoring decommissioned B-1B Lancer bombers to maintain combat capability

The US Air Force has begun the return to service of two decommissioned B-1B Lancer bombers, symbolically named Rage and Lancelot. These aircraft were recovered from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, known as the "Boneyard" (aircraft cemetery), where decommissioned aircraft systems were stored. The decision to rebuild these bombers was caused by a reduction in the size of the existing fleet due to accidents and technical problems.

The process of returning the B-1B Lancer to service requires considerable effort. Restoration includes extensive maintenance, retrofitting legacy systems, and ensuring full operational availability. This is a complex task that requires coordination between military specialists, engineers, and contractors. However, it is precisely such measures that allow the US Air Force to maintain the necessary level of combat capability in the face of increasing global threats.

The B-1B Lancer, known for its speed and ability to carry a large number of weapons, remains an important element of US strategic aviation. Despite the fact that these aircraft were decommissioned as part of a fleet modernization program, the current situation is forcing the Air Force command to reconsider its plans. Decommissioned aircraft now play a key role in compensating for losses and maintaining operational capabilities.

Analysts note that the restoration of decommissioned bombers is a temporary solution that helps smooth out the effects of the reduction in the number of modern combat aircraft. However, in the long term, the US Air Force should focus on developing new technologies and platforms, such as the B-21 Raider bomber, in order to maintain its leadership in the field of strategic aviation.

The decision to return Rage and Lancelot also highlights the importance of the reserve fund of military equipment stored at the Davis-Monthan base. These aircraft serve as a kind of "insurance", allowing you to quickly make up for losses if necessary.

 B-1B Lancer bomber

The A400M Atlas of the French Air Force is being tested in extreme Arctic conditions

   

A400M Atlas

The French Air Force (Armée de l'Air et de l'Espace, AAE) conducted a series of tests of the Airbus A400M Atlas transport aircraft in the northern polar regions. The purpose of the mission was to test the capabilities of aviation in conditions of icy runways, low temperatures and difficult navigation.  

Operation in extreme conditions  

The tests took place at remote airfields in Canada and Greenland, where A400M crews practiced take-off and landing on ice-covered lanes. This is a key stage of preparation for operations in the Arctic, where France participates in international missions and supports scientific research. The aircraft has demonstrated its ability to transport cargo and personnel even at critically low temperatures, confirming its role as a versatile vehicle for difficult regions.  

Technical Features of the A400M 

The A400M Atlas, developed by Airbus, is equipped with four turboprop engines, providing high maneuverability and a payload capacity of up to 37 tons. Its control system allows it to adapt to short and unprepared runways, which is critical for operations in remote areas. This aircraft has previously been used in humanitarian operations and military missions, including the delivery of equipment to conflict zones.  

Strategic importance for France 

The successful tests strengthen France's position as a country capable of projecting power in the Arctic. This is especially true against the background of the growing interest in the region from other powers. The A400M will become part of a strategy to ensure troop mobility and support Arctic bases, which is in line with the country's long-term modernization plans for the Air Force.