Almost half a billion dollars: Northrop Grumman suffers losses in B-21 bomber programme

Northrop Grumman has reported significant financial losses in the B-21 Raider strategic bomber programme amid a drop in the value of its shares and a worsening macroeconomic situation.

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According to The War Zone, in the first quarter of 2025, the B-21 programme caused the company a loss of $477 million. This happened against the backdrop of a collapse in Northrop Grumman shares - the fall for the quarter was 49%, and in the last day alone, the company's shares fell by 11.5%, closing at USD 464.08.

The company notes that such losses in large projects are not atypical. However, the current situation has been exacerbated by political instability in the US and new customs restrictions imposed by the Donald Trump administration.

Overall, last year, the financial losses of the B-21 programme reached $1.2 billion. According to the company's chief executive officer, Cathy Worden, the main factors were the rising cost of materials and changes in the production process aimed at speeding up the pace of aircraft production.

Despite the current losses, Northrop Grumman expects that the transition to mass production will help stabilise the financial situation. The US Air Force plans to order 145 B-21 stealth bombers to replace the B-1B and B-2.

Source: The War Zone