Overview
- Northrop Grumman CEO Kathy Warden said negotiations with the Air Force to accelerate B-21 production are paused by the federal shutdown but expected to resume.
- The test campaign has expanded with a second B-21 beginning flights in September and multiple additional aircraft in ground testing to validate performance and reduce risk.
- The company still anticipates low-rate initial production Lot 3 and Lot 5 advanced procurement awards before the end of 2025.
- Congress set aside roughly $4.5 billion to expand B-21 manufacturing capacity, a move distinct from any future decision on total bomber quantity, which the Air Force currently pegs at 100.
- Northrop previously recorded about a $477–$500 million charge to speed production and now signals further investment to raise output with the opportunity for improved returns under an acceleration deal.