Aircraft
U.S. Air Force Unveils B-21 Raider Sixth-generation Bomber
Although superficially similar to the B-2, the B-21 bomber benefits from four decades of advances in systems, manufacturing, and low-observable technology.
B-21 Raider
Only head-on views of the B-21 have been released, revealing some of the similarities and significant differences between it and its stealthy predecessor, the B-2 Spirit. (Photo: U.S. Air Force)

Northrop Grumman and the U.S. Air Force have revealed the B-21 Raider stealthy long-range bomber to the public for the first time. The December 2 ceremony was held under darkening skies at the manufacturer’s facility at Palmdale Airport in California and was attended by Northrop Grumman personnel and senior military and government officials, including defense secretary Lloyd Austin.

“The B-21 Raider is the first strategic bomber in more than three decades,” said Austin. “It is a testament to America’s enduring advantages in ingenuity and innovation.” The aircraft, he went on to say, “is deterrence the American way. This isn’t just another airplane. It’s not just another acquisition. It’s the embodiment of America’s determination to defend the republic that we all love. It’s a testament to our strategy of deterrence—with the capabilities to back it up, every time and everywhere.”