The United States is considering significantly expanding production of the B-21 Raider stealth bomber, including possibly opening a second assembly line.
This proposal comes amid increasing concerns about the geopolitical situation and the need to modernize the country’s strategic air fleet.
In a trial in the Senate, chief STRATCOMGeneral Anthony Cotton, stated that the current plan of 100 aircraft no longer meets the military’s needs. According to him, the Air Force needs at least 145 units to guarantee deterrence capabilities against powers such as Russia and China.
To realize these improvements, the Department of Defense is studying expanding its industrial base, which would allow production to accelerate and exceed initial targets. Thus, the total US strategic bomber fleet could reach about 220 aircraft, combining new B-21s and modernized B-52 models.
This production increase is also aimed at gradually replacing older aircraft, such as the B-1 Lancer and B-2 Spirit, which are approaching the end of their service life. Considered a key element in this update, the B-21 Raider represents a multibillion-dollar, long-term investment in American military capabilities.
Source: Militarnyi | Photo: @usairforce | This content is created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
The Department of the Air Force is expanding B-21 Raider production capacity by 25% to accelerate delivery of the next-generation stealth bomber & strengthen long-range strike.
— U.S. Air Force (@usairforce) March 8, 2026
