New Air Force B-21 Raider Stealth Bomber Will Operate Drones

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By Kris Osborn – Warrior Maven

A new generation of stealth technology, paradigm-changing computing, AI-enabled data processing, weapons, targeting and fire control are all fundamental elements of the Air Force’s emerging B-21 Raider stealth bomber, a breakthrough platform expected to reshape stealth bombing attacks for decades into the future. 

Alongside performing this wide range of missions and operating unprecedented levels of advanced technology, the B-21 Raider will also operate drones. 

B-21 Raider to Operate Drones

“We are assessing the potential to introduce a lower cost, complementary, uncrewed aircraft into the B-21 to provide an enhanced level of capability,” Undersecretary of the Air Force Gina Ortiz told reporters at the announcement of the service’s 2023 budget request. 

Often referring to the B-21 in the context of a “family of systems,” senior Air Force leaders have for quite some time discussed the new aircraft as expected to be capable of unmanned missions. 

This concept of operations could evolve in several ways, as it could involve preparations for having the B-21 fly unmanned missions itself, or operate groups of networked drones from the cockpit of the aircraft. This kind of “loyal wingman” capability, now progressing quickly through Air Force testing and development, enables a manned crew to control the flight path and sensor payload from the cockpit of the aircraft.