FEBRUARY 24, 2026 – The Department of the Air Force and Northrop Grumman Corp. have reached an agreement to expand production capacity for the B-21 Raider, accelerating delivery of the Air Force’s next-generation stealth bomber fleet.
The agreement applies $4.5 billion in funding already authorized and appropriated under the fiscal year 2025 reconciliation legislation, commonly referred to as the “One Big Beautiful Bill.”
This agreement accelerates the approved acquisition profile by increasing annual production capacity by 25%, compressing delivery timelines while preserving cost and performance discipline.
“This is what disciplined acquisition delivers,” said Gen. Dale R. White, director, Critical Major Weapon Systems and direct reporting portfolio manager to the Deputy Secretary of War. “This decision reflects our confidence in the program’s performance and the stability of the industrial base. By increasing production capacity now, we are responsibly accelerating delivery of a critical, combat-effective capability to the warfighter.”
The B-21 program delivered aircraft on schedule in 2025 and remains on track for aircraft on the ramp at Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, in 2027.
The accelerated production agreement builds on that demonstrated performance, translating program stability into faster fielding of combat capability.
“The B-21 is foundational to our long-range strike capability and to credible deterrence,” said Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink. “Accelerating production capacity now ensures we deliver operational capability to combatant commanders faster — strengthening our ability to outpace, deter, and, if necessary, defeat emerging threats. This is disciplined execution at the speed the security environment demands.”
Currently executing flight test, the long-range, penetrating strike aircraft is designed to operate in the most contested environments and hold any target at risk.
The B-21 integrates advanced stealth, resilient networking, and a modern, data-driven command and control architecture — ensuring the Joint Force retains a decisive advantage in an increasingly complex battlespace.
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs