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

This article is based on an official press release from Marshall Aerospace.

The Silver Skin: Inside the Critical C-130 Paint Stripping Process

For military aviation enthusiasts and industry observers, the C-130 Hercules is most recognizable in its operational livery, typically grey, camouflage, or specific squadron markings. However, before these workhorses undergo major maintenance, they must be stripped down to their raw, metallic core. According to Marshall Aerospace, this transformation is not merely aesthetic but a critical safety requirement for ensuring the airworthiness of global fleets.

In a recent release titled “What lies beneath,” Marshall Aerospace detailed the rigorous process of chemically stripping C-130 Military-Aircraft to bare metal. This procedure, often hidden behind closed hangar doors due to safety protocols, is the first step in a “deep tissue” examination of the airframe. By removing layers of paint and primer, maintenance crews can expose the aircraft’s “silver skin,” revealing microscopic defects that would otherwise remain invisible to the naked eye.

As a “Gold Standard” partner for Lockheed Martin, Marshall Aerospace performs this essential work at its facility in Cambridge, UK. The company notes that this capability is vital for Planned Maintenance Intervals (PMI), a heavy maintenance check that occurs roughly every five to six years. Without this complete strip, engineers cannot guarantee the structural integrity required for the demanding operational profiles of clients like the US Marine Corps.

The Transformation: From Paint to Bare Metal

The process of stripping a C-130 is an intense industrial undertaking that typically occurs within the first 10 days of the aircraft’s arrival for maintenance. Marshall Aerospace describes the procedure as a complete “transformation” that takes place in a dedicated “paint barn” large enough to house a Boeing 747.

Chemical Stripping and Containment

Unlike minor inspections where paint remains intact, major maintenance events require the removal of all coatings. Marshall Aerospace utilizes a specialized chemical stripping process to achieve this. Before the chemicals are applied, technicians meticulously mask sensitive areas of the aircraft. Windows, composite parts, and radomes are covered with aluminum tape and protective materials to prevent chemical intrusion, which could damage these delicate components.

Once prepared, the aircraft is treated with a chemical agent designed to loosen the bond between the paint, primer, and the metal skin. The coating is then washed away, leaving the aluminum alloy structure exposed. Because the process involves harsh chemicals and heavy metals from the old paint, Marshall emphasizes the use of advanced environmental abatement systems. These systems capture hazardous waste and filter the air, ensuring that pollutants do not escape into the atmosphere or local water supply.

Safety Protocols

The environment inside the paint barn is strictly controlled. Technicians working on the strip must wear full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including respirators and protective suits. This level of protection is necessary to handle the stripping agents safely while preparing the aircraft for the next stage of its maintenance journey.

Why the Strip is Non-Negotiable

While a freshly painted aircraft looks impressive, Marshall Aerospace asserts that the true value of maintenance lies in what is uncovered when the paint is removed. The “silver” state of the aircraft allows for a level of inspection that is impossible to achieve on a painted airframe.

Detecting Hidden Defects

Paint can effectively hide stress cracks, corrosion, loose rivets, and fatigue issues. By stripping the aircraft to bare metal, engineers can perform rigorous Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) and visual inspections on every inch of the skin. This “detective work” is crucial for identifying structural weaknesses that could compromise the aircraft’s safety during flight.

“We understand that there is more to aircraft paint than the appearance… looking at what is under the surface is key to our maintenance inspections.”

, Marshall Aerospace Technical Materials

Weight and Balance

Beyond inspection, the stripping process plays a role in aircraft performance. Over time, multiple layers of paint can add significant weight to an airframe. Stripping and repainting help maintain the aircraft’s correct weight and center of gravity, ensuring it performs within its design specifications.

AirPro News Analysis

The emphasis on deep-level maintenance capabilities like paint stripping highlights a broader trend in the aerospace defense sector: the extension of airframe life. With the C-130 platform remaining a backbone of global military logistics, the ability to detect and repair fatigue in aging airframes is becoming as valuable as the production of new units. Marshall Aerospace’s expansion into the United States, with a new facility in Greensboro, North Carolina, suggests a growing demand for these heavy MRO capabilities on both sides of the Atlantic.

Marshall’s Legacy and Future

Marshall Aerospace has established itself as a global authority on the C-130 platform. The company has been working on the Hercules since 1966 and became the first authorized C-130 Hercules Service Centre (HSC) in the world in 1974. In February 2025, the company celebrated 50 years holding this designation.

The company services major international fleets, including the US Marine Corps and the Royal Air Force. With the upcoming facility in Greensboro, Marshall is set to expand its “paint barn” capabilities, bringing its specialized stripping and maintenance processes closer to its North-American customer base.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is paint stripping necessary for C-130 maintenance?

Stripping paint is required for Planned Maintenance Intervals (PMI) to expose the bare metal skin. This allows engineers to detect hidden cracks, corrosion, and fatigue that paint might conceal.

How long does the stripping process take?

According to Marshall Aerospace, the stripping process is typically completed within the first 10 days of the aircraft’s arrival for major maintenance.

Where does Marshall Aerospace perform this work?

Currently, the work is performed at their facility in Cambridge, UK. A new facility with similar capabilities is opening in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Sources

• Marshall Aerospace

This article summarizes reporting by BBC News and official statements from the Peruvian Air Force.

Tragedy Strikes Arequipa: 15 Dead in Military Helicopter Crash

Fifteen people have died following the crash of a Peruvian Air Force (FAP) Helicopters in the southern Arequipa region, authorities confirmed on Monday. The Mi-17 aircraft, which was deployed to assist with humanitarian relief during severe flooding, lost radio contact on Sunday afternoon before being located the following morning.

According to reporting by BBC News, the wreckage was discovered in the Chala district. Officials stated that there were no survivors among the 15 occupants, a group that included four crew members and 11 passengers. The tragedy has compounded the devastation in a region already grappling with torrential rains, landslides, and overflowing rivers.

The Peruvian Air-Forces confirmed the loss in an official statement, noting that the aircraft was executing a support mission between the city of Pisco and Chala. The incident highlights the extreme risks facing emergency responders as they navigate the treacherous weather conditions currently battering southern Peru.

Flight Details and Recovery

The Russian-made Mi-17 transport helicopter departed Pisco in the Ica region on Sunday, February 22, 2026, intending to reach Chala in Arequipa. Radio contact was lost at approximately 4:30 PM local time. Search and rescue teams, including Special Forces patrols, located the crash site near Chala Viejo on Monday morning, February 23.

Local media reports indicate that the flight was intended to bypass road blockages on the Pan-American Highway caused by landslides. The passenger list included military personnel and civilians, some of whom were reportedly relatives of the armed forces members on board.

Casualty Breakdown

Authorities have identified all 15 victims. The four crew members were identified as Major Sergio Danner Paucar Centurión (pilot), Second Lieutenant Luis Fernando Huertas Cárcamo, and Technicians Kamila Chapi Anchapuri Jove and Leiner Aguirre Huamán.

Among the 11 passengers, the loss of life included seven children ranging in age from 3 to 17 years old. Three civilian women and one military officer, Colonel Javier Nole Gonzales, were also killed. In a statement regarding the victims, the Air Force expressed its grief:

“Our deepest condolences to the family members, friends, and the entire FAP family for the irreparable loss of our crew and passengers.”

, Peruvian Air Force (FAP) statement

Severe Flooding Crisis in Arequipa

The crash occurred against the backdrop of a severe environmental emergency. The Arequipa region has been inundated by torrential rains that have triggered huaicos (mudslides) and caused rivers to breach their banks. According to local authorities, the Chullo ravine overflowed, sending mud and debris through residential streets.

Beyond the helicopter crash, the storm system has claimed at least two other lives. Local media reported that an elderly woman was swept away by floodwaters in the Cayma district, and a man was struck by lightning in Uchumayo. Infrastructure damage is widespread, with estimates suggesting hundreds of homes have been affected, some rendered uninhabitable by mud ingress up to a meter high.

Regional Governor Rohel Sánchez has requested urgent assistance from the national government, citing that local response capabilities have been overwhelmed by the scale of the disaster.

AirPro News analysis

Operational Risks in Andean Relief Missions The loss of the Mi-17 highlights the persistent dangers of conducting aerial operations in the Andean region during the rainy season. The Mi-17 is a workhorse of Latin American military aviation, prized for its high-altitude performance and ruggedness. However, the combination of mountainous terrain and rapidly changing microclimates, common during “huaico” season, creates a perilous operating environment even for experienced crews.

While the Investigation is ongoing, this incident underscores the heavy reliance on military airlift when ground infrastructure fails. With the Pan-American Highway blocked, air transport becomes the only lifeline, forcing aircraft to fly sorties in marginal weather windows. This tragedy may prompt a review of civilian transport protocols on military aircraft during active emergency declarations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What caused the crash? An official investigation has been launched by the Peruvian Air Force’s Accident Investigation Board. No specific cause, such as mechanical failure or pilot error, has been determined yet, though the crash occurred during severe weather conditions.

Who were the civilians on board? The civilians included three women and seven children. Local media reports suggest they were relatives of military personnel being transported to avoid road blockages caused by the floods.

What is the status of the flooding in Arequipa? The region remains in a state of emergency. Heavy rains have caused landslides and flooding, damaging hundreds of homes and claiming lives independent of the aviation Accident.

Sources

• BBC News
• Andina (Peru News Agency)
• Peruvian Air Force (FAP)