Northrop Grumman is not yet ready to sell B-21 Raider nuclear bombers to Australia

Although the Strategic Defence Review (DSR) released by the Australian government earlier this week ruled out the purchase of the B-21 Raider aircraft, Northrop Grumman believes a deal could happen in the future. But it is not yet time to talk about that.

Here's What We Know

The DSR recommends that the Australian government refuse to acquire the B-21 Raider nuclear bombers in light of strategic circumstances and defence strategy. However, Northrop Grumman chief executive and president Kathy Warden has not ruled out the possibility of a future deal.

However, at this stage in the project's development, it's too early to talk about cooperation with other governments. Kathy Warden said this during the earnings call. She also added that Australia's refusal to acquire the B-21 Raider seemed appropriate given the stage the next-generation nuclear bomber project is now at.

The DSR said Australia would focus on acquiring a large number of missiles. In particular, the Northrop Grumman CEO recalled a bid from Australia to acquire AARGM-ER extended-range missiles. The cost of the deal is estimated at more than $500 million.

Returning to the subject of the B-21 Raider, the aircraft is still awaiting its maiden flight. It was unveiled in early December 2022, and by the end of this year Northrop Grumman wants the first small-scale production contract. Cathy Warden has said that the bomber "will fly this year", but no new information regarding the development of the programme was provided by the head of Northrop Grumman.

Source: Air & Space Forces Magazine