Northrop Grumman confirmed that its B‑21 Raider stealth bomber completed a successful aerial refueling with a KC‑135 Stratotanker, a milestone that extends the aircraft’s global reach and enables longer, more efficient test sorties.
The test demonstrates the B‑21’s fuel‑efficient design and supports the Air Force’s goal of rapid, long‑range strike capability. The B‑21 is intended to replace the aging B‑1 Lancer and B‑2 Spirit bombers while complementing the B‑52 Stratofortress, positioning the United States with a modern, stealth‑capable strategic bomber that can penetrate advanced air defenses and deliver both conventional and nuclear payloads.
Northrop Grumman has invested more than $5 billion in digital engineering and manufacturing infrastructure for the B‑21 program. The company is accelerating production, with the first aircraft slated for delivery to Ellsworth Air Force Base in 2027 and the possibility of a second production line to meet a fleet size that could reach 145 aircraft.
"Our teams are moving the B‑21 Raider through testing at an unprecedented pace, continually proving its outstanding performance – including aerial refueling. We've designed and built a reliable, adaptable aircraft that is vital to our warfighters' missions, while operating with a sense of wartime urgency to accelerate production and deliver this capability," said Tom Jones, corporate vice president and president of Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems.
"The strong performance of the B‑21 program has our Northrop Grumman and Air Force team ready to accelerate production of this game‑changing capability for our nation. Northrop Grumman has invested more than $5 billion in digital engineering and manufacturing infrastructure, and we are ready to produce B‑21 faster," added Kathy Warden, chair, chief executive officer and president of Northrop Grumman.
"Getting the B‑21 Raider into the hands of our Air Force operators and maintainers is the mission of thousands of dedicated Northrop Grumman team members. We have delivered continued outstanding performance on B‑21 in ground and flight test, in partnership with the Air Force. Northrop Grumman has designed and built the world's most advanced stealth bomber, securing American airpower far into the future," Tom Jones added.
The successful refueling test marks a critical step toward operational readiness, reinforcing Northrop Grumman’s role as a key defense contractor and underscoring the strategic importance of the B‑21 program for U.S. national security.
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