Air Force and Northrop Grumman Expand B-21 Raider Production Capacity

This article is based on an official press release from the Department of the Air Force.

Air Force and Northrop Grumman Sign $4.5 Billion Agreement to Accelerate B-21 Production

The Department of the Air Force and Northrop Grumman Corp. have finalized a major agreement to significantly expand production capacity for the B-21 Raider. Announced on February 23, 2026, the deal aims to increase the annual manufacturing output of the next-generation stealth bomber by 25 percent, utilizing funds authorized under the Fiscal Year 2025 reconciliation legislation.

According to the official announcement, the agreement applies $4.5 billion in funding from the “One Big Beautiful Bill” (Public Law 119-21) to accelerate the acquisition profile. The move is designed to compress delivery timelines while maintaining strict cost and performance discipline, ensuring the fleet reaches combatant commanders faster than originally scheduled.

The B-21 program, which successfully delivered aircraft on schedule in 2025, remains on track to place operational aircraft at Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, by 2027. This new agreement focuses on expanding the industrial base’s capacity to support a higher rate of production following these initial deliveries.

Funding and Strategic Acceleration

The injection of $4.5 billion is specifically targeted at increasing the industrial infrastructure required to build more bombers per year. By boosting annual capacity by 25 percent, the Air Force intends to field the fleet more rapidly to meet emerging security challenges.

Gen. Dale R. White, the Director of Critical Major Weapon Systems, emphasized that the decision relies on the stability of the current industrial base. Gen. White, who reports directly to the Deputy Secretary of War, highlighted the balance between speed and discipline in the acquisition process.

“This is what disciplined acquisition delivers. This decision reflects our confidence in the program’s performance and the stability of the industrial base. By increasing production capacity now, we are responsibly accelerating delivery of a critical, combat-effective capability to the warfighter.”

, Gen. Dale R. White, Director, Critical Major Weapon Systems

Operational Timeline and Basing

The Air Force confirmed that the B-21 Raider is currently executing flight tests. The aircraft is designed as a long-range, penetrating strike platform capable of operating in highly contested environments. It integrates advanced stealth technology with a data-driven command and control architecture.

Secretary of the Air Force Dr. Troy E. Meink noted that the acceleration is essential for maintaining credible deterrence.

“The B-21 is foundational to our long-range strike capability and to credible deterrence. Accelerating production capacity now ensures we deliver operational capability to combatant commanders faster, strengthening our ability to outpace, deter, and, if necessary, defeat emerging threats.”

, Dr. Troy E. Meink, Secretary of the Air Force

AirPro News Analysis

Significance of the “Department of War” Designation

The official release notably refers to Gen. White’s reporting chain ending with the “Deputy Secretary of War.” This reflects the administrative changes enacted in late 2025 under Executive Order 14347, which re-established the “Department of War” nomenclature for public-facing titles within the defense apparatus. The usage here signals the full adoption of this branding in official military communications regarding major acquisition programs.

Confidence in Design Stability

The decision to invest $4.5 billion specifically in production capacity, rather than research and development, suggests a high level of confidence in the B-21’s design maturity. Typically, production ramps are delayed until testing uncovers and resolves technical flaws. By committing to a 25 percent capacity hike while flight testing is still active, the Air Force is signaling to investors and adversaries alike that the Raider has cleared its most significant developmental hurdles.

Legislative Context

The explicit citation of the “One Big Beautiful Bill” in the press release highlights the direct link between the current administration’s legislative agenda and military expansion. Passed in July 2025, this reconciliation package included mandatory funding provisions for defense, allowing the Air Force to bypass some of the traditional, slower appropriation cycles to secure this capital investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the B-21 Raider be operational?
The Air Force states that the program is on track to have aircraft on the ramp at Ellsworth Air Force Base in 2027.

How much funding is involved in this expansion?
The agreement utilizes $4.5 billion in funds appropriated under the FY2025 reconciliation legislation.

What is the goal of the agreement?
The primary goal is to increase annual production capacity by 25 percent to accelerate the delivery of the fleet.

Sources

• Department of the Air Force