Northrop Grumman has officially unveiled its new B-21 Raider long range stealth bomber, which they stress will be “a strategic asset capable of penetrating enemy air defenses and reaching targets anywhere in the world — something approximately 90 percent of the nation’s current bomber fleet is incapable of doing.”
“Designed to be long-range, highly survivable and capable of carrying a mix of conventional and nuclear ordnance, the B-21 will join the nuclear triad as a visible and flexible nuclear deterrent; supporting national security objectives and assuring our nation’s allies and partners.”
The aircraft will eventually phase out aging B-1 Lancer, B-2 Spirit, and B-52 Stratofortress strategic bombers. The United States Air Force is expected to acquire at least 100 B-21s, with arrivals beginning in about five years.
