The U.S. Air Force has revealed that two advanced stealth aircraft programs are progressing faster than anticipated, with the first operational delivery expected in 2027. The next-generation B-21 Raider stealth bomber program is ahead of schedule, with the initial aircraft slated to arrive at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota in 2027.

Dale White, director of Critical Major Weapon Systems, stated that the B-21 acquisition program accelerated by approximately 25% following a one-time $4.5 billion funding boost included in the 2025 reconciliation bill. Northrop Grumman, the program's contractor, plans to eventually produce seven operational bombers annually.

The B-21 Raider took its first flight near Edwards Air Force Base in September 2025. Months later, the Air Force announced a second B-21 Raider joined flight testing at Edwards Air Force Base in California, a milestone expected to accelerate testing and weapons integration for America's first new long-range bomber in over three decades.

In addition to the B-21, the Air Force's sixth-generation F-47 fighter, built by Boeing, is also advancing faster than expected. White described the planning for the F-47 as having reached an "unprecedented maturity."

These updates were shared during the Air Force's Life Cycle Industry Days conference in Dayton, Ohio.

Sources