Northrop takes aim at new contract following successful first B-21 flight in 2024

The B-21 Raider, unveiled in December 2022, took its first flight in November of the following year. The U.S. Air Force’s next stealth bomber is currently undergoing flight testing and ground tests as part of its engineering and manufacturing development phase. Northrop Grumman has confirmed that at least six B-21s are in various stages of construction or testing, with Ellsworth Air Force Base expected to receive its first Raider in the mid-2020s. The Air Force plans to purchase at least 100 B-21s to replace aging bombers and provide new capabilities for deep-strike missions. However, production is being complicated by inflation, labor issues, and supply chain problems, with Northrop expecting to initially lose up to $1.2 billion in producing the B-21. Maintenance and sustainment for the B-21 will be largely carried out at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma.