Watch: B-21 Raider Spotted Flying Over California Alongside Chase Plane

Flight Tests Over California

The B-21 Raider, the U.S. Air Force’s next-generation stealth bomber, was recently spotted flying high above California with what appeared to be a T-38 chase plane. Northrop Grumman, the manufacturer, stated that the testing phase is progressing well, with multiple flights happening each week.

The Air Force confirmed that two B-21 aircraft will be flying by 2026. Though currently used for testing, these bombers can be quickly made ready for combat if needed. The aircraft are being built at Plant 42 in Palmdale, California, where Northrop Grumman also produced the B-2 in the 1990s.

Production Expansion Plans

The Air Force has included funding in the 2026 budget to expand B-21 production. Congress’s reconciliation bill also supports this expansion. A spokesperson said the increase in production can be handled by Northrop Grumman’s existing facilities in Palmdale, along with selected Tier 1 suppliers around the country.

While Northrop Grumman declined to comment on the program directly, the Air Force listed several key suppliers. These include BAE Systems in New Hampshire, Collins Aerospace in Iowa, and GKN Aerospace in Missouri. Other suppliers such as Janicki Industries in Washington and Spirit AeroSystems in Kansas will also take part. The engines are produced by Pratt & Whitney, a division of RTX.

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Budget and Production Outlook

The Air Force has stated that expanding production is a proactive step to maintain the efficiency of the production line and ensure long-term readiness. They remain committed to delivering the B-21 as a critical future asset.

The total request for the B-21 program in 2026 is $10.3 billion, with $4.5 billion marked for increasing manufacturing capacity. Details about how quickly the production will speed up or the total number planned have not been released. The current rate is believed to be around 7 to 8 aircraft per year.