THE B-21 RAIDER IS FINALLY NOW BEGINNING PRODUCTION
In December 2022, the U.S. Air Force (USAF) showed the world the latest and greatest in stealth bombing technology: the B-21 Raider. Together with its creator, Northrop Grumman, the unveiling in Palmdale, California, was a big one for the ongoing project that began in 2015. Now, the Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider is hitting a new milestone: the start of production. In January 2024, The Pentagon announced that the creation of B-21 Raider stealth bombers was underway.Related read: US Deploys Black Hawk Helicopters After Japan Earthquake
When Will the B-21 Fly?
The B-21 Raider began flying between the end of 2022 and sometime in 2023. A high-profile ceremony brought attention to the aircraft that underwent many tests. The B-21 Raider is going to be the next generation of stealth bombers for the United States.There have been several tests and while we still hope we never get to see all of its capabilities in action, its production run is starting in 2024. Now, the United States is increasing its might with B-21 Raider bombers coming into service over the next several decades.Suggested read: Pepsi, Wheres My Jet? The Outrageously True Story
A-12 Avenger vs. B-21 Raider
The A-12 Avenger II would've been America's first real "stealth fighter," but its controversial cancellation would mean this reality never came. This honor would instead go to the F-117, a.k.a. the Nighthawk. Now, B-21 Raider bombers will be carrying the latest tradition of American stealth and aerial warfare. Both could carry out long-range bombing attacks and strikes with nuclear weapons. The A-12 Avenger earned its name from the Grumman TBF Avenger, a World War II Navy torpedo-bomber. America’s proposed all-weather stealth bomber pays homage to the WWII aircraft, which began defending our country during the Battle of Midway. The Doolittle Raiders are the inspiration for the B-21 Raider. During the Doolittle Raid, a.k.a. the Tokyo Raid, U.S. Army Air Force men held a surprise attack that was pivotal in WWII for morale. While the A-12 Avenger never saw the light of day, it’s clear that the B-21 soon will. It’s unsure whether it will see action, but it will be ready should duty call. Overall, it’s a bit difficult to compare an aircraft that never was to one that is yet to arrive. The features of the A-12 may have never panned out, and those on the B-21 technically don’t exist yet. But both are essential figures in aerial defense. Technology requires trial and error, innovation, and advancing past what was once possible. This is why while the A-12 never defended our country, it still helped push technology forward. The B-21 Raider will do the same. "The B-21 is the most advanced military aircraft ever built and is a product of pioneering innovation and technological excellence. The Raider showcases the dedication and skills of the thousands of people working every day to deliver this aircraft,” said sector VP and GM of Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems, Doug Young, via press release.
What Is the Fighter to Accompany B-21 Raider?
The Air Force wants a new fighter to accompany its new stealth bomber, but when, where, or what that looks like is still to be determined. Known as the Penetrating Counter-Air (PCA), the fighter is more of a concept than a reality so far. You can find mockups of what it may look like online, but for now, there's still work to be done for its completion. The construction of the PCA, however, could prove vital. As it stands, the B-21 Raider may not be able to reach certain potential targets, including Western China.
How Many B-21 Bombers Are There?
After beginning production with at least six aircraft, more are underway. The original estimated cost of $2 billion per aircraft is now averaging $692 million, which could still put the USAF on par for its estimated total of 150 to 200 B-21 Raiders being operational when everything is all said and done.On January 22, 2024, The Pentagon announced that after many rounds of testing, the approval for low-rate production of Northrop Grumman’s B-21 stealth bomber was underway. The team is finalizing the plans for production and will begin creating the aircraft shortly.At least 100 B-21 Raiders are going to be operational by mid-2020s if all goes according to plan. This an interesting prospect considering we just began 2024. Nevertheless, besides upgrading our fleet, the military wants to show the world that we aren’t remaining stagnant with its dedication to producing such a quantity of advanced aircraft.Both the B-1B Lancer and B-2 Spirit are set to be replaced during the 2030s. B-21 Raiders will work in collaboration with 76 upgraded B-52J Stratofortresses to bring in a new wave of stealth bombers to the United States. The announcement from The Pentagon marks a notable update since the highly publicized December 2022 ceremony. More than $200 billion is going to be spent on B-21 Raiders in the next three decades as the United States ushers in a new era of stealth. The focus of air and sea combat is continuing in 2024. The start of a production run of America’s latest stealth bomber proves that the DoD is ready to handle whatever challenges lie ahead.Read next: Tensions Drive NATO to Conduct Largest Military Exercise In Decades
Image: Artist rendering of the B-21 in a hangar courtesy of Northrop Grumman.