The B-21 nuclear stealth bomber, which will eventually replace aircraft initially used during the Cold War, has been presented by the US Air Force. The first brand-new bomber in thirty years might cost close to $700 million (£569 million) each and be equipped with nuclear and conventional weaponry. As anticipated, little is known about the aircraft’s precise specifications.
However, according to US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, it was “a testament to America’s enduring advantages in ingenuity and innovation.” At a ceremony held on Friday at the Northrop Grumman facility in California, the B-21 Raider was revealed.
As part of continuous military collaboration between the two countries, Chinese and Russian strategic bombers patrolled together for eight hours over the western Pacific on Wednesday. The mission to strengthen defense relations with Russia was described as normal by China’s Defense Ministry. The nuclear-capable Tupolev PAK DA from Russia and the Chinese-built Xian H-20 from Beijing are both strategic stealth bombers that are currently being developed and are anticipated to contend with the B-21.
Although the B-21 may fly without the need for a crew, the US Air Force stated “provisioned for the possibility, but there has been no decision to fly without a crew”.
“No other long-range bomber can match its efficiency,” Austin claimed.
“Fifty years of advances in low-observable technology have gone into this aircraft,” he remarked. “Even the most sophisticated air defense systems will struggle to detect the B-21 in the sky.” The B-21, which resembles its predecessor in appearance, has the range and midair replenishment capability to transport conventional and nuclear bombs all over the world.
At least 100 of the planes will be purchased by the US Air Force, the manufacturer stated that six planes are now being produced and that they would have the “next generation of stealth” as well as some “new manufacturing techniques and materials.” The long-range bomber is anticipated to make its first flight in 2023, according to the aerospace and design company.
