Northrop Gruman
ANNOUNCEMENTS•
It has been worked on in the deepest secrecy for years, but today the US Air Force introduces its advanced bomber of the future: the B-21 Raider. It is the first time since 1988 that the United States has introduced a new type of bomber.
With the new bomber, the Americans can penetrate deep into enemy territory without being seen. The B-21 is equipped with “stealth technology”, making it difficult to detect by enemy radar. In addition, it has the ability to carry nuclear weapons and, according to its creators, can carry out precision strikes anywhere in the world.
The manufacturer of the device, Northrup Grumman, says that “this will completely change everything” and calls the B-21 “the future of deterrence”.
Tensions with China and Russia
The bomber’s unveiling comes at a time of heightened tensions between the United States and Russia, and relations with China are also strained. Both countries are therefore following developments with suspicion.
Not just the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the Chinese threat to it Taiwan The security situation has been stretched to the limit, and this week the Pentagon released a report on China saying the country has doubled the number of nuclear warheads in a fraction of the time expected by the US.
Northrop Gruman
According to the report, China could have around 1,500 nuclear warheads by 2035. The Pentagon writes that it is very concerned about a future conflict with China. The US Department of Defense has also called China the greatest security challenge of the future, despite the Russian war in Ukraine.
With the latest acquisition, the Americans think they can maintain leadership over China and Russia. These countries do not yet have “stealth technology” equipment.
Secret
The B-21 Raider has been under construction since 2015. More than 8,000 Northrop Grumman employees have been secretly involved in the project. According to the manufacturer, employees were not allowed to say anything about their work to family and friends. During the coronavirus pandemic, working from home was not allowed and everyone was expected at the factory every day.
The B-21 Raider reportedly costs around 650 million euros per aircraft. The United States Air Force bought 100 copies. The plan is to make the first flights in 2023.
