Overview
- U.S. Strategic Command chief Adm. Richard Correll told lawmakers the Pentagon is considering opening a second B-21 production line, with no decision yet made.
- Correll reaffirmed STRATCOM’s recommendation to grow the fleet target to 145 aircraft, a figure previously backed by Gen. Anthony J. Cotton.
- The Air Force is maintaining a program-of-record minimum of 100 Raiders, with Gen. Dale White saying the recent investments provide flexibility to raise output if needed.
- On Feb. 23, the Air Force and Northrop Grumman reached a $4.5 billion agreement funded by the One Big Beautiful Bill to increase B-21 manufacturing capacity by about 25%.
- Two B-21s are in flight testing at Edwards Air Force Base, production is based at Plant 42 in Palmdale, and the first operational delivery is planned for Ellsworth AFB in 2027.