US Holds First Air Test Of Stealth B-21 Raider Nuclear Bomber

Stealth nuclear bomber B-21 Raider. (photo: x @EdwardsAFB)

JAKARTA - The United States has finally revealed the first test flight of the B-21 Raider stealth nuclear bomber. This siulman aircraft is estimated at US$745 million (Rp11.9 trillion). This sophisticated aircraft, which was first introduced in December 2022, was recently seen in the images released on Wednesday 22 May while conducting flight testing at Edwards Air Force Base, California.

The #B21 Raider continues to conduct flight tests at Edwards with the B-21 Combined Test Force, including ground testing, taxiing, and flying operations. The Raider continues to make progress toward becoming the backbone of the #USAF bomber fleet. #AFMC @usairforce pic.twitter.com/u03HsnTKwd

— Edwards Air Force Base (@EdwardsAFB) May 22, 2024

The #B21 Raider continuations to conduct flights at Edwards with the B-21 Combined Test Force, including ground testing, taxiing, and flying operations. The Raider continuations to make progress towards becoming the backbone of the #USAF bomber fleet. #AFMC @usairforce pic.twitter.com/u03HsnTKwd

Bomber B-21 Raider is described as a 'dual-capable' bomber capable of launching conventional and nuclear weapons. The aircraft is designed to be barely visible to enemy radars and is equipped with the latest military technology.

Andrew Hunter, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics, stated that flight testing B-21 was running on schedule. This aircraft is the first digital one, allowing the fulfillment of program requirements effectively.

The aircraft is expected to replace the B-1 and B-2 bombers, and play an important role in supporting national security goals as well as assisting US allies and partners around the world. The US Air Force plans to produce a minimum of 100 B-21 units, with a target of entering service in the mid-2020s.

The bomber is also part of the Pentagon's efforts to modernize the entire three pillars of its nuclear triad, as the focus shifts from counter-terrorism campaigns towards facing China's rapid military modernization.

General Thomas A. Bussier, Commander of the Global Strike Air Force, called the B-21 a "future backbone of the bomber fleet" at the launch event last November. The Air Force hopes to have at least 220 units to replace the old B-1 and B-2 bombers. The program is expected to cost at least US$203 billion (Rp3.2 quadrillion) for 30 years for the development, purchase and maintenance of the B-21 fleet.