Will the Pentagon Export its New B-21 Stealth Bomber to Allies?

by Kris Osborn, President, Center for Military Modernization

(Washington DC) B-21 For Sale? The suggestion that the U.S. should share or export the highly sensitive technologies woven into the new B-21 Raider stealth bomber with allies, could arguably be seen as somewhat reckless and potentially even irresponsible.

Citing strategic and cost-saving advantages, many news reports are now suggesting the possibility exists, and several indications say Australia could be a customer. 

While surely there may be financial and security-related advantages to exporting the B-21 and building an allied coalition with stealth bombing capability, the risks to U.S. national security seem extremely significant. 

While the allied US-Australian partnership certainly seems rock-solid and reliable, and China needs to be deterred, there still seems to be sufficient and reasonable grounds upon which to restrict the B-21 to the US. No part of the highly sophisticated “black” B-21 program should leave the U.S. under any circumstances, as the very survival of the U.S. arguably relies upon a secure, established, and unparalleled ability to hold any target at risk, anywhere in the world, at any time.

Senior Air Force leaders have been clear for years that the platform introduces a new generation of stealth technology, computing, sensing, and networking technologies. For obvious security reasons, these need to remain exclusive to the US.

Video Above: Capt. Scot Searles, Program Manager, Unmanned Maritime Systems, Naval Sea Systems Command