By the end of the decade, the U.S. Air Force could have 24-30 sixth-generation B-21 Raider aircraft in service - the nuclear bomber is estimated to cost $729.25 million

The US Air Force may receive 24-30 new-generation B-21 Raider nuclear bombers by 2030. This forecast was announced at the annual convention of the Air Force Association.

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The event was attended by Northrop Grumman President Tom Jones, the head of the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office William D. Bailey, Brigadier General Ty Neuman, a representative of the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Mark Gunzinger.

At this point it is clear that regardless of the current progress, a small number of B-21 Raider will not be able to complicate the offensive operations of China or any other potential adversary of the United States. This was stated by Mark Gunzinger during the discussion.

As sixth-generation aircraft are delivered, the U.S. Air Force will retire the B-1B Lancer and B-2 Spirit strategic bombers. There are now 141 bombers in the strategic aircraft fleet, which also includes the B-52H Stratofortress. This is already the lowest in history, and by 2033 the number will drop to 133 aircraft.

By 2030, the U.S. Air Force could have 24-30 B-21 Raider aircraft in service. The service intends to buy about 10 next-generation bombers each year for the next decade, and that will be the maximum that Northrop Grumman can offer.

For the four previous bomber projects, the norm was set at 20 aircraft per year. The B-47, B-52 and B-1 production rates were on track, but the B-2 failed. The reason was the price. The cost of one Spirit is estimated at $2.1 billion. 21 aircraft were produced. As for the B-21 Raider, its price is $729.25 million in 2022 dollars.

Source: Forbes