Second B-21 Raider test aircraft breaks cover

The U.S. Air Force has confirmed the arrival of a second B-21 Raider test aircraft at Edwards Air Force Base, California.

According to the U.S. Air Force, the addition of a second airframe expands the scope of testing beyond basic flight performance checks to include mission systems and weapons integration trials.

Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink said: “With the arrival of the second B-21 Raider, our flight test campaign gains substantial momentum. We can now expedite critical evaluations of mission systems and weapons capabilities, directly supporting the strategic deterrence and combat effectiveness envisioned for this aircraft.”

The Air Force Chief of Staff, Gen. David Allvin, described the development as key to accelerating progress. “The addition of a second B-21 to the flight test program accelerates the path to fielding. By having more assets in the test environment, we bring this capability to our warfighters faster, demonstrating the urgency with which we’re tackling modernisation.”

Alongside the expanded test programme, the service said maintainers at Edwards are gaining early experience with sustainment operations, including the use of maintenance tools, technical data, and logistical processes that will underpin future squadrons.

The Air Force also confirmed that fiscal year 2026 will see major construction efforts at all three designated B-21 operating bases. Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota, the first to host operational Raiders, is already progressing on infrastructure projects intended to ensure readiness.

Gen. Allvin added: “The B-21 Raider program represents a cornerstone of our strategic nuclear modernization. The concurrent efforts in testing, sustainment preparation and infrastructure investments clearly illustrate our commitment to providing unmatched capabilities to deter and defeat threats well into the future.”

Developed with Northrop Grumman under the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office, the B-21 is intended to deliver both conventional and nuclear payloads. The programme is currently conducting flight and ground testing while moving into low-rate initial production, according to the service.