Reference Message Network reported on June 16 that according to a report on the website of US "The National Interest" bimonthly on June 8, as the risk of conflict continues to rise, the US military is accelerating the advancement of its next-generation equipment development plan. From destroyers and aircraft carriers to fighter jets and stealth bombers, the US military is treating the design of various sixth-generation equipment as a top priority.
In order to meet the long-range bombing needs of the US Air Force, the B-21 "Raider" bomber may be the most critical investment for the air force. This bomber is designed by Northrop Grumman Corporation and is an intercontinental stealth strategic bomber. It is named "Raider" to honor the Doolittle Raid during World War II. This bomber is expected to replace the aging B-1 "Lancer" bomber and B-2 "Spirit" bomber before 2040.
Considering the high specifications and powerful performance of the "Raider" bomber, manufacturing this bomber is very costly and the cost is still increasing. According to the news in April, Northrop Grumman Corporation suffered a loss of up to $477 million in the first quarter of 2025. The company pointed out that the huge loss was largely due to changes in the production process of the "Raider" bomber, citing the increase in material and other resource costs. Northrop Grumman Corporation wants to complete the production of the B-21 bomber faster, and initial budget setbacks are inevitable.
The company's CEO, Kathy Warden, said: "Although I am disappointed with the financial impact of the (B-21) project, we continue to make solid progress on the project, demonstrating through multiple tests that the (B-21 bomber) has achieved its performance goals, and we are gradually advancing the production of the first two batches."
She also said: "After learning a lot of experience, we are ready to deliver this highly capable strategic deterrent force to the Air Force."
Is the investment in the B-21 "Raider" bomber worthwhile?
Despite the rising costs, the US Air Force will invest heavily in producing the "Raider" bomber. Specific details and specifications of the platform remain highly classified, but concept drawings and hints provided by Northrop Grumman Corporation and the Air Force indicate that the B-21 bomber will be unparalleled when it officially enters service. In terms of design, the "Raider" bomber can perform conventional long-range strike missions for the Air Force and will also have electronic attack, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance functions. The biggest feature of the B-21 bomber is stealth. Based on existing concept drawings, the wingspan of the "Raider" bomber seems shorter than that of previous bombers. A smaller wingspan will become a key advantage for the next generation of aircraft, as it will make it harder for enemy radar to detect it.
In February, Republican Congressman and member of the House Armed Services Committee Don Bacon posted on social platform X saying that the "Raider" bomber project is actually ahead of schedule. He also stated: "It (the 'Raider' bomber) will be a game-changer for the US Air Force in the coming decades."
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7516358727545537076/
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