Northrop Grumman's B-21 Raider Powers Unmatched Long-Range Strike Capability

The next-gen stealth bomber demonstrates aerial refueling and advanced performance in testing.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 1:43am

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A highly detailed, glowing 3D macro illustration of the internal digital infrastructure and avionics of the B-21 Raider aircraft, bathed in neon cyan and magenta lights, conveying the Raider's cutting-edge technology and digital capabilities.The B-21 Raider's advanced digital architecture and sensors power its unmatched long-range strike capabilities.Falls Church Today

Northrop Grumman's B-21 Raider, the U.S. Air Force's next-generation stealth bomber, is accelerating through its flight test campaign and proving exceptional warfighting capabilities, including aerial refueling that extends its global reach. With over $5 billion invested in digital technologies and manufacturing, the B-21 is on track to arrive at Ellsworth Air Force Base in 2027, providing the Air Force with long-range, high-survivability, and mission payload flexibility.

Why it matters

The B-21 Raider is a critical part of the U.S. Air Force's strategic bomber fleet, designed to penetrate the toughest air defenses and hold any target at risk worldwide. Its advanced stealth, fuel efficiency, and open architecture will ensure the Raider fleet can evolve to outpace emerging threats.

The details

The B-21 Raider test campaign now includes successful aerial refueling with a KC-135 Stratotanker, a key capability that extends the bomber's global reach and enables longer, more efficient test sorties. As the most fuel-efficient bomber ever built, the B-21 consumes a fraction of the fuel used by previous-generation aircraft, reducing demand for theater tanker logistics and providing operational commanders greater flexibility.

  • The B-21 Raider's first aircraft is planned to arrive at Ellsworth Air Force Base in 2027.
  • Northrop Grumman has invested more than $5 billion in the B-21 program's digital and manufacturing infrastructure to date.

The players

Northrop Grumman

An American aerospace and defense technology company that is the primary contractor for the B-21 Raider program.

Tom Jones

Corporate vice president and president of Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems, overseeing the B-21 Raider program.

U.S. Air Force

The military branch that is the end user and partner with Northrop Grumman in the development of the B-21 Raider.

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What they’re saying

“Our teams are moving the B-21 Raider through testing at an unprecedented pace, continually proving its outstanding performance – including aerial refueling.”

— Tom Jones, Corporate vice president and president, Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems

What’s next

Northrop Grumman is positioned to deliver the B-21 Raider capability at speed and scale, ensuring the U.S. Air Force maintains long-term global strike superiority.

The takeaway

The B-21 Raider represents a major leap forward in American airpower, combining unmatched range, stealth, and payload flexibility to deter and defeat threats worldwide. Northrop Grumman's strategic investments in digital technologies and manufacturing are accelerating the Raider's development, positioning the U.S. Air Force for long-term dominance.