Air Force Announces B-21 Production Deal, 2027 Entry into Service
Air & Space Forces Magazine • • business
Key Points:
- The Air Force and Northrop Grumman have finalized a $4.5 billion deal to accelerate B-21 bomber production by 25 percent, aiming to deliver operational capability faster.
- The B-21 is on track to be operational at Ellsworth Air Force Base by 2027, advancing previous timelines that only projected service entry in the mid-2020s.
- The funding for this acceleration comes from a Congressional allocation made last summer as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
- Although the production rate is classified, the 25 percent increase could mean up to two additional bombers per year once full production is achieved, but the total planned purchase remains at a minimum of 100 aircraft.
- The B-21, described
