USA to Develop Sixth Generation Strategic Bombers

The Pentagon has signed a contract with Northrop Grumman for the creation of the first batch of sixth-generation B-21 Raider strategic stealth bombers, reports Breaking Defense.

William LaPlante, the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, stated that based on the results of testing, he has "approved the start of production for a small batch of B-21s." The details of the contract, including the number of aircraft and timelines for production, have not been disclosed.

It is expected that this initiative will produce the first production group of these aircraft. According to the U.S. Air Force, the first B-21, named Cerberus, has already completed two test flights on November 10 of last year and January 17. Northrop Grumman has developed a total of six aircraft of this type.

In early December 2022, the Pentagon officially introduced the new B-21 Raider strategic "stealth" bomber during a presentation at the U.S. Air Force’s 42nd factory in Palmdale, California. Subsequent test flights of the aircraft have been conducted from the factory’s airport.

The U.S. Air Force's Air Force Global Strike Command expects to have the first B-21 Raider in service by 2025. The bomber is capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear weapons.