B-21 Bomber's Higher-Up Predicts Second Aircraft to Take Off Imminently (Military Aviation, Next B-21 Bomber)

B-21 Bomber's Higher-Up Predicts Second Aircraft to Take Off Imminently (Military Aviation, Next B-21 Bomber)

The U.S. Air Force is planning to boost the production of the B-21 Raider bombers, with the potential number of aircraft reaching up to 145, according to some officials[1]. The original production rate was projected to be around 7 to 8 bombers per year[1].

To facilitate this increase, the Air Force's fiscal year 2026 budget includes a substantial funding boost of $10.3 billion, with approximately $4.5 billion allocated specifically to accelerate manufacturing and expand production infrastructure at Northrop Grumman’s Plant 42 facility in Palmdale, California[1][2][3].

This funding will support both ongoing development and an increase in yearly production capacity through investments in factory infrastructure, tooling, and workforce expansion[1][3]. Northrop Grumman has already begun implementing a "process change" to enable a higher production rate, reflected in a $477 million charge earlier in 2025 designed to handle material cost increases and facilitate ramp-up in manufacturing[3].

The production ramp-up relies primarily on existing facilities and supplier networks without currently disclosed plans to open new manufacturing sites[1][2]. This approach aims to maintain a stable and efficient production line to meet increased demand while supporting the long-term health of the program[1][2][3].

General Thomas A. Bussiere, head of Air Force Global Strike Command, stated that the increase in B-21 production is a response to a changing global environment and the importance of long-range strike[1]. The B-21, considered evolutionary in technology rather than a generational leap, is a judicious blend of new stealth capabilities with more maintainability for greater availability[1].

The B-21's design and materials have been optimized to make it less maintenance-intensive than the B-2, which was initially certified only for the nuclear mission and later for a conventional role[1]. Unlike the B-2, the B-21 will be certified for both missions from the outset[1].

The success of the B-21 is partially attributed to the Air Force's long experience with the B-2, with maintainers and pilots of the B-2 embedded with acquisition engineers and industry partners to optimize various aspects of the B-21's weapon system[1]. A second B-21 bomber is expected to fly soon, with the first aircraft flying about two times per week[1].

Notably, the development of uncrewed versions of the B-21 is not part of the immediate plan[1]. Early in 2024, William LaPlante, former Pentagon acquisition and sustainment chief, stated that the low production rate of the B-21 was intentional to protect it from budget cuts[1].

The reconciliation bill passed by lawmakers includes $4.5 billion to increase B-21 production capacity[1]. General Anthony Cotton, head of U.S Strategic Command, has urged that the U.S. increase the B-21 program to 145 aircraft[1].

In summary:

| Aspect | Details | |----------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------| | Planned quantity | At least 100 B-21s; possibly up to 145 | | Original production rate | ~7-8 bombers per year | | FY2026 budget allocation | $10.3 billion total; $4.5 billion for production expansion | | Production facility | Northrop Grumman Plant 42, Palmdale, CA | | Production increase method | Investment in infrastructure, tooling, workforce, and process changes |

[1] ABC News, "U.S. Air Force to Boost B-21 Raider Bomber Production," 2025. [2] Defense News, "Air Force Budget Boost to Accelerate B-21 Production," 2025. [3] The Hill, "Air Force to Increase B-21 Production Capacity," 2025.

1. The U.S. Air Force aims to produce up to 145 B-21 Raider bombers, an increase from the original 7 to 8 bombers per year, with a funding boost of $10.3 billion in its fiscal year 2026 budget.
2. The Air Force's production ramp-up relies on investments in infrastructure, tooling, workforce expansion, and a "process change" at Northrop Grumman’s Plant 42 facility in Palmdale, California.
3. The increase in B-21 production is driven by a changing global environment and the importance of long-range strike capabilities, as asserted by General Thomas A. Bussiere, head of Air Force Global Strike Command.
4. The B-21, an evolutionary advancement in technology, boasts a blend of new stealth capabilities and higher maintainability for greater availability compared to its predecessor, the B-2.
5. Unlike the B-2, the B-21 will be certified for both nuclear and conventional missions from the outset, resulting in less maintenance-intensive operation.
6. The Pentagon acquisition and sustainment chief, William LaPlante, previously mentioned that the low production rate of the B-21 was intentional to protect it from budget cuts, but the reconciliation bill has now included $4.5 billion to increase its production capacity.

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