The new asset in American military power is the B-21 Raider nuclear bomber of the sixth generation, which the United States will use from 2027. It will replace its predecessor, the B-2, which has been in service since the 1990s, and the very fast B-1 Lancer (Mach 2). The stealth strategic bomber can carry both conventional and nuclear weapons and is adaptable to future technological advancements.
Another advantage of the B-21 Raider is its autonomy, allowing it to execute risky missions such as deep strikes in heavily defended areas, reconnaissance operations, or electronic warfare without endangering the pilot. Integrated into the Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2), it can take on a flight commander role by collecting and sharing real-time information and coordinating the actions of other aircraft or drones. In essence, the B-21 Raider is much more than a conventional bomber.
Developed in the 2010s by Northrop Grumman for the US Air Force, the B-21 Raider was officially unveiled in 2022 and entered the testing phase in the mid-2020s. With an estimated cost of 800 million euros per unit, the United States aims to modernize its long-range strike capability. However, Chinese researchers claim to have identified flaws related to aerodynamics and radar signature, potentially exposing the bomber to advanced radar and infrared systems. Despite the secrecy surrounding the bomber’s specifications, China is actively testing its capabilities using scientific and industrial means.
Furthermore, a report from the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies suggests that the effectiveness of the B-21 Raider lies in deploying a sufficient number of bombers, recommending the production of around 200 B-21s and 300 F-47s to counter high-intensity conflicts, particularly against China. Experts also advocate for a significant increase in budgets, up to an additional 40 billion dollars annually, and the development of complementary systems such as loyal wingman drones to support manned aircraft.
Given China’s geographic position and A2/AD defense systems, which create highly protected zones for effective attacks, it is crucial to have a substantial number of bombers to swiftly dismantle Chinese positions.
