Northrop Grumman hopes to win first contract for production of next-generation B-21 Raider nuclear bombers by end of year

Northrop Grumman hopes to receive its first contract from the Air Force for the production of the B-21 Raider strategic bomber within the current year. The aircraft was announced in December 2022 but has never been flown.

Here's What We Know

The B-21 Raider will make its first flight in late 2023. During the same period, Northrop Grumman wants to sign the first production contract with the Air Force. The agreement will be for the first (of five) small batch of aircraft. The announcement was made by CFO Dave Keffer during a call with analysts in January. Low-volume production will continue through the end of this decade.

However, Northrop Grumman and the US Air Force are wary of macroeconomic risks, including inflation, unemployment and supply chain problems. The company and the service are looking for ways to reduce the cost of the B-21 Raider programme.

Historically high inflation, supply chain disruptions and labour issues have increased the cost estimates for the next-generation strategic aviation aircraft in the current production phase. At the same time, US authorities still support the purchase of a minimum of 100 B-21 Raider bombers. Northrop Grumman itself does not rule out that it will receive a loss of up to $1.2 billion on one or more lots. The losses will be divided among all five lots, which will mitigate the negative impact on the company.

Source: Defence News