Northrop Grumman is anticipating a second contract to produce the Pentagon’s B-21 Raider by the end of the year, with CEO Kathy Warden expecting the award in the fourth quarter. The contract is part of five annual LRIPs expected to total 21 aircraft and cost the company $1.2 billion. The Air Force plans to pay roughly $780 million per LRIP aircraft based on a plan to buy at least 100 Raiders. The program is expected to eventually be profitable, with a higher cost ceiling negotiated for the 19 aircraft following the initial 21.
The Air Force does not plan to buy more than 100 Raiders, as future technology may change requirements. Officials are reevaluating next-gen plans due to shifts in air superiority concepts. Flight testing and production for the B-21 are progressing well, with three aircraft in testing last month.
In the coming months, the Air Force may provide more clarity on the quantity of B-21s needed in the long run, based on a force structure design review. The B-21 program is achieving ground and flight testing milestones while executing the production contract as estimated.
