B‑21 raider takes flight as Pentagon eyes budget cuts
Republican Congressman Don Bacon from Nebraska, a former brigadier general in the Air Force, announced that the B-21 Raider program is ahead of schedule and within budget, reports Bulgarian Military. Bacon stated that this will be a breakthrough for the USAF for decades.
The B-21 Raider, developed by Northrop Grumman, is expected to cost $203 billion over 30 years. The bomber is set to replace older models such as the B-1 Lancer and B-2 Spirit, becoming a key element of the U.S. Air Force. However, as noted by the Bulgarian Military service, former President Donald Trump is considering cuts to the defence budget, which could impact the future of the B-21 program. Although no specific proposals have been made yet, potential financial constraints are considered a challenge to the rate of production.
B-21 Raider - America's bomber of the future
B-21 Raider is the latest American strategic bomber developed by Northrop Grumman for the United States Air Force. It is the first sixth-generation bomber designed to penetrate the most advanced air defence systems and carry out precision strikes worldwide. The aircraft was officially unveiled on December 2, 2022, in Palmdale, California, and its first flight took place on November 10, 2023.
The B-21 Raider features advanced stealth technology that minimizes its detectability by enemy radar. Although many technical details remain classified, it is known that the bomber will be capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear weapons. Among its planned arsenal are the AGM-181 LRSO (Long-Range Stand-Off) cruise missiles with nuclear warheads, developed by Raytheon Missiles & Defence.
The aircraft has been designed with an open systems architecture, allowing for the easy integration of future technologies and weapons. This means the B-21 Raider will be able to evolve in response to changing threats and battlefield requirements. It is planned to introduce at least 100 units of this bomber into service, forming the backbone of the U.S. bombing forces alongside the modernized B-52.
The first B-21 units are expected to arrive at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota by the late 2020s. The program is crucial for maintaining U.S. air superiority, especially in the context of growing threats from China and Russia. Despite budgetary challenges, optimism surrounding the B-21 remains high. Republican Congressman Don Bacon emphasizes that the program has the potential to revolutionize the American Air Force if the current pace of work can be maintained.
