The secret American B-21 Raider nuclear bomber takes it into the air

New images show America’s £585m secret nuclear bomber taking off. The B-21 Raider was unveiled in December 2022, but so far the US government has been tight-lipped about showing off the cutting-edge aircraft.

In images released on Wednesday, the sleek aircraft is shown flying for the first time as it undergoes flight tests – after which at least a hundred will be built. The B-21 is a dual-capable bomber capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear munitions.

On May 8, during testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Andrew Hunter, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics, emphasized that the B-21’s flight tests are on track to meet deadlines and be delivered the fighter.

“We’re in the flight test program, the flight test program is going well,” he said in response to a question about the B-21 program. “It does what flight test programs are designed to do, which is help us learn about the unique characteristics of this platform, but in a very, very efficient way.”

Mr. Hunter explained that this is the first aircraft that is more digital than not, which helps meet the program’s requirements. The B-21 is a long-range, highly survivable stealth bomber that will gradually replace the B-1 and B-2 bombers and play a major role in supporting national security objectives and providing America’s allies and partners with all over the globe.

The B-21 weapons system is manufactured under Air Force contract with Northrop Grumman. The US Air Force (USAF) says: “It is designed with an open systems architecture, enabling the rapid insertion of mature technologies and allowing the aircraft to remain effective as threats evolve over time.

“The aircraft is expected to enter service in the mid-2020s, with a production target of a minimum of 100 aircraft.”