The still-in-development Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider is already being touted as a dual-capable penetrating strike stealth bomber that will be able to deliver both conventional and nuclear munitions. When it officially enters service later this decade, the B-21 will form the backbone of the future United States Air Force bomber force and operate alongside the Cold ധąɾ era B-52 Stratofortress – replacing the B-1 Lancer and B-2 Spirit. Designed to operate in tomorrow’s high-end threat environment, the B-21 will also play a critical role in ensuring America’s enduring airpower capability.

The B-21 Raider is a next-generation stealth bomber being developed by the United States Air Force (USAF). While I don’t have access to the latest developments beyond my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, I can provide information based on the knowledge available up to that point.

The B-21 Raider is designed to be a long-range, highly survivable bomber capable of penetrating advanced air defense systems and conducting a range of missions, including precision strikes and nuclear deterrence. It is being developed to replace the aging fleet of B-1B Lancer and B-2 Spirit bombers.

Here are some key features and capabilities associated with the B-21 Raider:

1. Stealth Technology: The B-21 Raider is expected to incorporate advanced stealth technology, including a low-observable design, to reduce its radar signature and enhance its survivability in contested airspace.
2. Long Range: The bomber is designed for long-range operations, enabling it to reach targets anywhere in the world. It will have the capability to conduct extended-range missions without the need for aerial refueling.
3. Multi-Mission Capabilities: The B-21 Raider is expected to be a versatile platform capable of conducting a range of missions, including precision strike missions, intelligence gathering, surveillance, and electronic warfare.
4. Next-Generation Systems: The bomber will feature advanced avionics, communication systems, and sensors, enabling it to operate in highly dynamic and network-centric environments. It is expected to leverage cutting-edge technologies to enhance its operational effectiveness.
5. Flexibility and Adaptability: The B-21 Raider is being designed to accommodate future technological advancements and changing mission requirements. It will be equipped with modular systems that can be upgraded and adapted as needed.

It’s important to note that specific details about the B-21 Raider, including its exact capabilities, specifications, and operational status, may be classified or not publicly disclosed. To obtain the most accurate and up-to-date information about the B-21 Raider, it is recommended to refer to official statements and announcements from the U.S. Air Force or the Department of Defense. These sources can provide comprehensive details on the development, capabilities, and anticipated operational role of the B-21 Raider.

The U.S. Air Force has also stated that the B-21 Raider will be a component of a larger family of systems for conventional Long Range Strike, including Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), electronic attack, communication and other capabilities. The Raider will be nuclear-capable and designed to accommodate manned or unmanned operations. Moreover, it will be able to employ a broad mix of stand-off and direct-attack munitions. That larger family of systems may not include unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones, a component that had previously been discussed. It was just last year that Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall had first suggested that a drone counterpart could be developed to operate alongside the B-21 as a loyal wingman.

Drone On – Drone Off?

The drone effort has apparently been grounded, as the service has done an about-face on the loyal wingman concept. “The idea of a similar range collaborative combat aircraft is not turning out to be cost-effective, so it looks like we’re not going to go that direction,” Kendall told Breaking Defense in an exclusive interview at the Royal International Air Tattoo earlier this month. Kendall added that the concept appears “less attractive than we thought it might be,” and cited the value that a drone would offer. Simply put, the B-21 is being developed to conduct a strategic strike anywhere in the world, and the cost is a significant consideration.

“For relatively small platforms, taking a crew out can make it much cheaper,” he said. “But for large platforms, you don’t gain that much because the crew is only a small fraction of the weight, a small fraction of the cost by comparison.” The Air Force isn’t pulling the plug on all of its drone efforts, and the loyal wingman-style drones are still on track to be paired with the fifth generation Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, as well as the service’s Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) fighter that currently in development.

First Flight of the Raider Pushed Back

Northrop Grumman is reportedly still on track to roll out the first B-21 by the end of this year, and the program is currently below the Air Force’s budget of $25.1 billion for the project. Northrop Grumman made such advancements with the Raider due to information gained from the creation and development of the B-21’s predecessor, the B-2 Spirit. Currently, there are six B-21s in production at Northrop Grumman’s Plant 42 in Palmdale. Despite being below the budget, in May it was announced that the aircraft wouldn’t make its first flight this year, as previously planned. The Air Force now projects that the highly-anticipated bomber will take to the skies and make its maiden flight in 2023 – an added delay of some six months. Yet, the bomber is reported to still be on track to enter service by 2030.