The United States Air Force (USAF) reached an important milestone on September 11, 2025. The second B-21 Raider stealth bomber completed its first flight. The bomber, developed under the Long Range Strike Bomber (LRS-B) program, took off from Palmdale, California, and landed safely at Edwards Air Force Base.
Officials say this new aircraft will change the way weapons and mission systems are tested. It will also strengthen America’s future air power.
Second B-21 Raider Test Flight
The second B-21 Raider, built by Northrop Grumman and known as Tail Number T-2, made its first flight from Palmdale to Edwards Air Force Base on September 11.
Air Force Secretary Troy Mehncke called it a “significant step” and said full weapons and mission system testing will now begin.
The first B-21 (T-1) flew in November 2023 and is still being tested twice a week. With this second aircraft, the testing program will move faster. Six more B-21 bombers are being built, with two ready for ground testing.
What Makes the B-21 Raider Special?
The B-21 Raider is the world’s first sixth-generation stealth bomber. It is named after the Doolittle Raiders of World War II. The aircraft is designed for long-range missions. It can fly into heavily defended enemy areas and carry both nuclear and conventional weapons.
The bomber uses advanced stealth technology that is even better than the B-2 Spirit. Its design includes radar-resistant materials and special geometry to avoid detection. A new coating makes it easier and cheaper to maintain.
Advanced Technology
The B-21 has built-in sensors and antennas that help reduce its radar signature, and it comes with advanced defensive systems that can detect and counter missile and electronic threats immediately.
It also has an automated electronic warfare system that can jam enemy signals without needing escort aircraft. Artificial Intelligence (AI) helps plan missions, making the workload lighter for pilots.
Global Strike Capability
The B-21 can connect across air, sea, land, space, and cyber domains. This ensures secure communication in any environment. It can also share real-time targeting information.
The bomber can carry many types of weapons, including:
- B61-12 nuclear bombs
- AGM-181 LRSO cruise missiles
- Precision-guided weapons
- Hypersonic missiles
- Stand-in jammers
It can strike targets worldwide without relying on forward bases and while staying out of enemy missile range.
The Future of the B-21
The B-21 will replace the older B-1B Lancer and B-2 Spirit bombers. While the B-2 was once the most advanced stealth bomber, the B-21 has even better radar and infrared stealth.
The USAF plans to buy at least 100 B-21 Raiders. They will be deployed at Ellsworth, Whiteman, and Dyess Air Force Bases.
Tests at Edwards Air Force Base will continue, with simulations of real war conditions in the Indo-Pacific and Europe.
