B‑21 raider advances: America's strategic edge in jeopardy
Republican Congressman Don Bacon from Nebraska, a former Air Force Brigadier General, announced that the B-21 Raider programme is ahead of schedule and within budget, reports Bulgarian Military. "This will be a breakthrough for the USAF for decades," Bacon stated.
The B-21 Raider, developed by Northrop Grumman, is expected to cost approximately £166 billion over 30 years. The bomber will replace older models like the B-1 Lancer and the B-2 Spirit and become a key component of the U.S. Air Force. However, the Bulgarian Military service notes that President Donald Trump is considering defence budget cuts, which could impact the future of the B-21 programme. Although there are no specific proposals yet, potential financial constraints are regarded as a challenge for the production pace.
B-21 Raider - America's bomber of the future
The B-21 Raider is the latest American strategic bomber developed by Northrop Grumman for the United States Air Force. It is the first sixth-generation bomber designed to penetrate the most advanced air defence systems and conduct precision strikes globally. The aircraft was officially unveiled in Palmdale, California on December 2, 2022, and its first flight took place on November 10, 2023.
The B-21 Raider features advanced stealth technology that reduces its detectability by enemy radars. Although many technical details remain classified, it is known that the bomber will be capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear weapons. Its planned arsenal includes long-range AGM-181 LRSO (Long-Range Stand-Off) cruise missiles with nuclear warheads, developed by Raytheon Missiles & Defence.
The aircraft has an open systems architecture, allowing for easy integration of future technologies and weaponry. This ensures that the B-21 Raider can evolve in response to changing threats and battlefield requirements. At least 100 units of this bomber are planned to be introduced into service, forming the backbone of American bombing forces alongside the modernised B-52.
The first B-21 units will arrive at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota by the late 2020s. The programme is crucial for maintaining U.S. air superiority, especially in the context of growing threats from China and Russia. Despite budgetary challenges, the optimism surrounding the B-21 remains high. Republican Congressman Don Bacon emphasises that the programme has the potential to revolutionise American air forces, provided the current pace of work can be maintained.
