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.

China conducted its first public aerial refueling exercises with a Y-20U tanker and H-6N bombers

Y-20U tanker and H-6N strategic bomber

For the first time, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) publicly demonstrated its aerial refueling capabilities by conducting large-scale exercises involving the new Y-20U air tanker and H-6N strategic bombers. These maneuvers have become an important stage in the development of aviation infrastructure and the expansion of the range of Chinese strategic aviation.

Features of the exercises

- The Y-20U tanker is an upgraded version of the Y—20 transport aircraft, equipped with air refueling systems, which significantly increases the operational range of fighters and bombers.

- H—6N strategic bombers - capable of carrying cruise missiles and performing long-range strike missions.

- During the exercises, procedures for refueling in the air were worked out, including docking, fuel transfer and maneuvers in difficult conditions.

The public conduct of such exercises indicates the growth of the PLA's capabilities in the field of strategic aviation and increased readiness for long-range operations. Aerial refueling expands the range of bombers, allowing them to quickly respond to threats far beyond national borders.

The development of air refueling technologies and the expansion of the Y-20U tanker fleet will allow China to conduct larger and longer-term air operations in the future, which will significantly increase its influence on the international arena.

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.

US military aviation buildup on Diego Garcia Island indicates increased readiness for operations in the Indian Ocean

 New satellite images show a significant concentration of military aircraft at Diego Garcia Air Base in the Indian Ocean, including B-52 strategic bombers, KC-135 tankers, F-15 fighter jets and a C-5M heavy transport aircraft. There are two to four B-52H bombers at the base, as well as several B-2A Spirit strategic stealth bombers, the number of which has recently increased to six. To ensure their operation, C-17A and C-5M transport aircraft, as well as numerous KC-135 tankers, have been deployed to the base.

This build-up of aviation forces is associated with increased readiness for possible operations in the face of growing regional tensions, especially in the context of the escalating conflict in the Middle East and the threat from Iran. The United States uses Diego Garcia as a key outpost for strikes against targets in Yemen and potentially for operations against Iran. The deployment of modern strategic bombers and fighters demonstrates a demonstration of strength and readiness to respond quickly to threats in the region.

The Pentagon has not officially disclosed the details of the operations, calling them part of regular global exercises and threat deterrence measures. Nevertheless, experts note that the concentration of such powerful air forces at the base is a signal to Iran and other regional players about the seriousness of the United States' intentions to ensure security and stability in the Indian Ocean and the Middle East.

Thus, satellite data confirm a significant increase in the US military presence on Diego Garcia Island, reflecting the strategic importance of this base and the readiness of the US armed forces for possible large-scale operations in the region.

The US Air Force is ready to increase its nuclear arsenal after the START Treaty expires in 2026

The chief nuclear officer of the United States Air Force, General Thomas A. Bussiere, said on June 5, 2025, that the Air Force was ready to add more nuclear warheads to its strategic bombers and underground missile systems if ordered to do so after the expiration of a key arms control treaty.

During the discussion of the US strategic arsenal, organized by the Atlantic Council, General Bussiere stressed that after the end of the Strategic Offensive Arms Reduction Treaty (START), which expires in February 2026, "a decision may be made to provide additional capabilities in both ground and bomber areas."

The START Treaty, concluded between the United States and Russia, limits the number of strategic nuclear warheads and their means of delivery. Its expiration creates uncertainty in the field of nuclear control and may lead to an increase in arsenals.

The United States and South Korea conducted large-scale joint exercises involving B-1B bombers

 

Rockwell B-1 Lancer

On April 15, the United States and South Korea conducted joint air exercises, demonstrating their military might over the Korean peninsula. The maneuvers involved B-1B Lancer strategic bombers, as well as American and South Korean F-16 and F-35A stealth fighters. This step was aimed at confirming the readiness of the two countries to counter potential threats in the region.

South Korea's Ministry of National Defense stressed that the exercises were conducted to demonstrate "the continued visibility of the expanded deterrence of the United States." The choice of the date for the mission is also not accidental: the exercises were held on the birthday of Kim Il Sung, the founder of North Korea. This decision is intended to send a clear signal to Pyongyang about the determination of Washington and Seoul to protect their interests.

The maneuvers involved a B-1B Lancer strategic bomber capable of carrying up to 57 tons of conventional ammunition. This aircraft is known for its high speed and range, making it an indispensable tool for deterrence missions. In addition, F-16 multirole fighters and modern F-35A stealth fighters participated in the exercises, enhancing the capabilities of the joint air group.

The main purpose of the exercises was to confirm the readiness of the United States and South Korea to act together in the event of a military threat. The deployment of strategic bombers over the Korean Peninsula symbolizes the US commitment to its "enhanced deterrence" policy, which guarantees the protection of allies using the most advanced military technologies.

The exercise has raised tensions in the region, especially given North Korea's recent actions, including ballistic missile tests. For Seoul and Washington, this was an important step in demonstrating strength and unity in the face of growing threats from the DPRK.

The joint exercises confirmed the strength of the military alliance between the United States and South Korea. In the future, the countries plan to continue holding such events in order to strengthen their defense strategy and ensure stability in the region.

The April 15 exercises were a prime example of how the United States and South Korea coordinate their actions to counter threats. The deployment of B-1B strategic bombers and stealth fighters underscores the seriousness of the two countries' intentions. In the context of growing tensions on the Korean peninsula, such steps play a key role in ensuring peace and security.