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US Air Force Accelerates B-21 Raider Production, Projects 2027 Fielding
The $4.5 billion funding boost aims to accelerate B-21 deliveries, targeting operational ramp-up at Ellsworth Air Force Base by 2027, reflecting confidence in the program's progress.
- On February 23, the US Department of the Air Force and Northrop Grumman Corp. agreed to expand B-21 Raider stealth bomber production capacity by 25% using $4.5 billion from fiscal year 2025 reconciliation legislation.
- Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink said accelerating production ensures operational capability reaches combatant commanders faster to outpace and deter emerging threats.
- Flight testing began in November 2023, and low-rate initial production followed after the January 2024 contract award at Northrop's Palmdale facility.
- The agreement accelerates the Air Force acquisition schedule, compressing delivery timelines to place aircraft at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota in 2027 and reflects confidence in industrial base stability.
- The Air Force has long targeted at least 100 aircraft, and some officials want to expand the program of record, with Northrop CEO Kathy Warden previously outlining an expansion contract timeline, while Meink did not address whether the overall buy would change.
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Military TimesUS Air Force accelerates B-21 Raider production, projects 2027 fielding
The U.S. Air Force and Northrop Grumman have agreed to increase production capacity for the B-21 Raider stealth bomber by 25%, speeding up delivery of the service’s next-generation long-range strike platform, the service announced in a Feb. 23 release. The deal applies $4.5 billion in funding previously authorized and appropriated under fiscal year 2025 reconciliation legislation, commonly known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” The move accelera…
US expands B-21 Raider stealth bomber production by 25% with $4.5bn deal
The US Air Force and Northrop Grumman have agreed to raise B-21 Raider stealth bomber production capacity by 25%, drawing on $4.5bn already approved to accelerate delivery of the next-generation strike aircraft.
Northrop, Air Force agree on 25% boost to B-21 production
DENVER -- The Air Force and Northrop Grumman have agreed to expand B-21 Raider production by 25% annually, the service announced today. The agreement uses $4.5 billion from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act reconciliation package passed last summer. Northrop will preserve cost and performance while delivering the stealth bombers on a shortened time frame. “This is what disciplined acquisition delivers,” said Gen. Dale White, critical major weapon s…
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