Second B-21 Raider Arrives at Edwards AFB, Marking Key Milestone

The U.S. Air Force has welcomed a second B-21 Raider to Edwards Air Force Base in California, a major step in testing the next-generation stealth bomber. Delivered from Northrop Grumman’s Palmdale facility on September 11, 2025, the aircraft joins the first Raider already in trials, giving the program new momentum as it moves into advanced evaluation.

Testing Gains Speed

Until now, testing has centered on basic flight performance. With two aircraft available, the Air Force can now expand into weapons integration, mission systems testing, and sustainment planning—capabilities that will determine how the Raider performs in real-world combat.

The second B-21 Raider has flown! #b21 #b21raider pic.twitter.com/PxgOmpceny

— jmh.creates (@JarodMHamilton) September 11, 2025

Preparing for Service

Alongside flight trials, attention is turning toward sustainment and basing. Having more than one aircraft allows maintainers to practice repairs, test technical data, and refine logistics—ensuring the Raider can be supported once it enters service.

In fiscal 2026, major construction projects will begin at Ellsworth AFB in South Dakota, the first base scheduled to host operational B-21s, as well as at Dyess AFB in Texas and Whiteman AFB in Missouri.

A Cornerstone of Deterrence

The Raider, named in honor of the Doolittle Raiders of World War II, is the world’s first sixth-generation aircraft. Built by Northrop Grumman, it is designed to penetrate advanced air defenses and deliver both nuclear and conventional strikes. The bomber will eventually replace the B-1B Lancer and B-2 Spirit, operating alongside a modernized fleet of B-52J Stratofortresses.

With low-rate production underway and testing accelerating, the B-21 remains on track to become the backbone of America’s long-range strike and nuclear deterrence force by the end of the decade.