The U.S. Air Force showcased the second prototype of Northrop Grumman’s B-21 “Raider” long-range stealth bomber as it departed Friday from Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale, California. The new aircraft, designed to replace aging B-1 and B-2 bombers, represents a major step forward in the Pentagon’s modernization of its strategic bomber fleet.
Air Force officials said the prototype will undergo a fresh series of flight tests to evaluate performance, low-observable capabilities, and long-range mission readiness. The B-21 program has been developed under tight secrecy, but its unveiling is seen as a milestone in maintaining U.S. air superiority amid escalating global competition.
“This platform is the backbone of our nation’s deterrence strategy for the future,” said Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall. “With its range, survivability, and advanced systems, the B-21 will ensure the Air Force can penetrate even the most sophisticated air defenses.”
The B-21 Raider, developed with open-systems architecture to allow for rapid upgrades, is projected to enter service later this decade. The program is considered central to the Air Force’s long-range strike plans, with the service expecting at least 100 aircraft to be built.
The rollout of the second prototype follows the B-21’s first test flight in November 2023, confirming progress toward initial operational capability. Analysts note that the Raider’s development is being closely scrutinized by both allies and rivals, particularly China and Russia, as the United States seeks to reinforce its next-generation deterrence posture.
Local residents and aviation enthusiasts gathered near Plant 42 to witness the rare public sighting of the Raider, which took off under strict security conditions. Despite much of the aircraft’s technology remaining classified, its distinctive flying-wing shape further highlights its lineage to the B-2 Spirit while incorporating advanced stealth refinements.
