Northrop Grumman begins production of B-21 Raider stealth bomber - Pentagon

The company Northrop Grumman has received the green light to start production of the newest bomber B-21 Raider.

Production of the low-observable stealth bomber B-21 Raider is moving forward. Last fall, based on the results of ground and flight tests and mature production plans, I gave the go-ahead for the start of B-21 serial production. One of the key features of this program was initially the development of production - and on such a scale as to provide reliable deterrence to adversaries.

- William LaPlante, Deputy US Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment.

"Production of the B-21 stealth bomber is moving forward,” DoD undersecretary William LaPlante says in a statement. “This past fall, based on the results of ground and flight tests and the team's mature plans for manufacturing, I gave the go-ahead to begin producing B-21s."

— Anthony Capaccio (@ACapaccio) January 22, 2024

The stealth bomber made its first flight in November, and after this test Northrop received a contract for the initial production of the B-21. On Thursday, the company will report on its profits for the last quarter of 2023 and likely provide investors with updated information on the program.

Last week, the Air Force confirmed that one of the six B-21 test aircraft had completed a test flight from Edwards Air Force Base, marking the second publicly confirmed flight of the bomber,reported Defence One.

This aircraft will replace the B-1B Lancer and B-2 Spirit and is expected to enter service in the mid-2020s. The Air Force plans to purchase at least 100 units.