United States B-21 Fleet Update
United States - United States Air Force
| Date | Sept. 12, 2025 |
| Country | United States |
| Force | United States Air Force |
| Aircraft | B-21 (B-21 Raider) |
| Change | +1 active |
Description
The U.S. Air Force has received its second B-21 Raider test aircraft at Edwards Air Force Base, marking a critical expansion of the platform's flight test campaign. This second airframe allows the program to transition from initial flight checks to advanced weapons and mission systems evaluation. The B-21 is a next-generation, long-range strategic stealth bomber designed for intercontinental missions with conventional and thermonuclear payloads. Intended to replace the B-52 and B-1 Lancer, the Air Force plans to procure approximately 100 units. Infrastructure development is also beginning at Ellsworth, Whiteman, and Dyess Air Force Bases to support the eventual operational fleet.