Northrop Grumman and the US Air Force have accelerated production capacity of the B-21 Raider.
“The strong performance of the B-21 program has our Northrop Grumman and Air Force team ready to accelerate production of this game-changing capability for our nation,” chair, chief executive officer and president, Northrop Grumman, Kathy Warden, said.
“Northrop Grumman has invested more than $5 billion in digital engineering and manufacturing infrastructure, and we are ready to produce B-21 faster.”
Currently in production with final assembly at Northrop Grumman’s Palmdale, California, facility and other manufacturing operations across the United States, the first B-21 aircraft is on track to arrive at Ellsworth Air Force Base in 2027.
“Getting the B-21 Raider into the hands of our Air Force operators and maintainers is the mission of thousands of dedicated Northrop Grumman team members,” corporate vice president and president, Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems, Tom Jones, said.
“We have delivered continued outstanding performance on B-21 in ground and flight test, in partnership with the Air Force. Northrop Grumman has designed and built the world’s most advanced stealth bomber, securing American air power far into the future.”
The B-21 has undergone ground and flight tests. The test fleet expanded in 2025.
It is a sixth-generation stealth aircraft that possesses an advanced low-observable design. It has the ability to deliver both conventional and nuclear payloads. The agreement between Northrop Grumman and the US Air Force has allowed the latter to access the b-21 digital twin.
The company has invested more than $5 billion in the B-21 program’s digital and manufacturing infrastructure, which has equipped the B-21 Raider with advanced software, manufacturing and engineering tools.
Multiple B-21 Raider aircraft are currently in flight test. Simultaneously, Northrop Grumman engineers have been conducting ground tests. The advanced manufacturing processes used in B-21 Raider's production have included digital and augmented reality tools.
Northrop Grumman has been developing comprehensive training, sustainment and fleet management tools for the Air Force as they prepare to operate and maintain the B-21 Raider.
The B-21 Raider has been named in honour of the Doolittle Raid of World War II when 80 airmen, led by Lt. Col. James Doolittle, and 16 B-25 Mitchell medium bombers set off on a mission. The raid has served as the inspiration behind the Raider name.