Watch: Rare Plane-Spotter Footage Shows B‑21 Raider Conducting First Mid-Air Refueling Over California
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Plane spotters and aviation photographers have shared rare footage showing a Northrop Grumman B‑21 Raider stealth bomber performing its first publicly observed aerial refueling during a test flight over Eastern California’s Mojave Desert. The B‑21 is the newest long‑range bomber being developed for the U.S. Air Force, and this moment marks a key phase in its test program that will help determine how it will operate over long distances in future missions.
The images and video clips, captured around March 10 2026, show the B‑21 flying behind a Boeing KC‑135 Stratotanker, a tanker aircraft designed to transfer fuel in flight. A chase plane, believed to be a Lockheed Martin F‑16, can also be seen nearby observing the refueling activity. Enthusiasts noted that connecting to the refueling boom indicates a controlled test of the bomber’s mid‑air refueling system, a capability needed for long‑endurance flights.
A Milestone in the Test Campaign
The aerial refueling took place over a large desert region near Edwards Air Force Base, where much of the B‑21’s flight testing occurs. The base serves as a key centre for evaluating the bomber’s systems and performance. The flight appears to have lasted more than five hours, giving engineers an extended period to observe how the bomber handles fuel transfer at altitude.
These tests are part of a broader program that has been underway for several years. The first B‑21 prototype took to the air in late 2023, beginning a multi‑stage civilian and military flight test campaign. A second test aircraft joined the effort in 2025, showing that development is advancing steadily. The mid‑air refueling test adds an operational dimension to those earlier flights that focused on basic handling and systems performance.
The B‑21 Raider is designed to replace older bombers like the B‑1 Lancer and B‑2 Spirit as part of efforts to modernize the Air Force’s long‑range strike force. It is expected to be capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear weapons and serve as a core component of the bomber fleet. The bomber will operate with a fleet size projected to include at least 100 aircraft once full production begins.
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What This Refueling Means
Aerial refueling gives aircraft like the B‑21 the ability to fly farther and remain airborne longer without stopping to land and refuel. This capability is particularly important for bombers expected to reach distant targets or remain on station for extended periods. The recent footage confirms that the B‑21’s systems can connect with existing tanker aircraft — a key step toward its operational readiness.
While military officials have confirmed the test flight and the proximity of the tanker, they have not released detailed information about fuel transfer specifics. Nonetheless, aviation photographers say this is the first mid‑air refueling event observed and captured for the B‑21 Raider, making it a noteworthy moment in the aircraft’s development.
