Overview

• The Department of the Air Force confirmed delivery of a second B-21 Raider flight test aircraft to Edwards Air Force Base in California.
• With two airframes, testing broadens from basic flight performance to mission systems evaluation, weapons integration and maintenance process trials.
• The second prototype flew from Plant 42 in Palmdale to Edwards as part of the combined test force campaign.
• Major construction is planned in fiscal 2026 at all three designated operating bases, with Ellsworth Air Force Base slated to host the first operational Raiders.
• The program continues flight and ground testing in low-rate initial production, with reporting indicating a planned buy of at least 100 aircraft at about $700 million each and ongoing debate over survivability and basing choices.