The B-21 Raider Is Now Under Budget By Almost $2bn: Will The Program Succeed?

America’s new Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider is well on the way. It has been cleared for low-rate production, and around 100 are expected to be built. It will eventually replace the B-52 Stratofortress, B-1 Lancer, and the B-2 Spirit (currently a total of approx. 131 aircraft) and become the United States’ sole strategic bomber. It will be the air leg of America’s triad nuclear deterrence. It is designed with the latest stealth technology and will provide the Air Force with deep penetration capabilities into enemy territory for strike missions. The B-21 is designed to overcome enemy radar and air defenses.