B-21 Raider Stealth Bomber

The B-21 Raider is the next-generation U.S. strategic stealth bomber, designed to carry nuclear and conventional weapons in the most contested air defense environments of the 2030s–2060s. A flying-wing design, it incorporates advanced stealth materials, open-mission systems architecture, and is designed to optionally operate uncrewed.

Contract awarded to Northrop Grumman 2015. First publicly revealed December 2022 at Palmdale. First flight November 2023. Initial IOC expected 2026-2027. At least 100 planned. Will carry upgraded B61-12 gravity bombs and future standoff cruise missiles. Will replace both B-2 and B-52 eventually.