Air Force Cites Massive B-21 Stealth Bomber Testing Progress

by Olawale Abaire, Warrior Editorial Fellow

The B-21 Raider, the latest addition to the United States Air Force’s bomber fleet, is making significant progress in its flight test program at Edwards Air Force Base.

Since its unveiling on December 2, 2022, the B-21 has been undergoing rigorous testing. According to Andrew Hunter, assistant secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics, the program is on track to meet its timelines and deliver the aircraft to the warfighter.

The B-21 Raider is a long-range, highly survivable, penetrating strike stealth bomber designed to incrementally replace the B-1 and B-2 bombers. With its advanced digital architecture, the B-21 is the first aircraft to be more digital than not, making it a game-changer in modern aerial warfare. Its open systems architecture enables the rapid insertion of mature technologies, allowing the aircraft to remain effective as threats evolve over time.

During a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, Andrew Hunter, the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics, emphasized that the B-21’s flight testing is progressing as planned, with an expected delivery date to the warfighter set for May 8.

Hunter, responding to a query about the B-21 program, stated, “We are currently in the midst of the flight test program, which is progressing smoothly. The program is fulfilling its intended purpose of helping us understand the unique attributes of this platform in a highly effective manner.”

Hunter elaborated that this is the first aircraft that is predominantly digital, a factor that contributes to the program meeting its requirements.

The B-21 Raider program remains on schedule, with ongoing flight testing at Northrop Grumman’s manufacturing facility located at Edwards Air Force Base in California. It is designed with an open architecture, allowing for the integration of new technologies and the ability to respond to future threats across a wide range of operations. This Long-Range Strike Family of Systems is set to significantly improve mission effectiveness and joint interoperability in advanced threat environments, thereby bolstering U.S. deterrence and strategic advantage.