Northrop Grumman Eyes More B-21 Raider Contracts

Northrop Grumman expects additional B-21 Raider contracts from the U.S. Air Force before the end of 2025.

The B-21 Raider is central to U.S. strategic modernization: built for long-range strike and nuclear deterrence, the stealth bomber will operate under the U.S. Air Force (USAF) and is being readied for operational deployment. Northrop Grumman has confirmed ongoing negotiations and says it is ready to expand production if new contract awards arrive.

Northrop frames the program as a capability upgrade for Western airpower and a link to allied interoperability. The company’s comments reinforce that future contract awards will support further development, procurement and integration with NATO partners, helping align the bomber with alliance requirements.

B-21 Raider production push

Officials say the expected awards would fund increased manufacturing tempo, supplier ramp-up and test activities. Northrop Grumman has told stakeholders it is positioning factories and supply chains to move from initial build to steady production if the U.S. Air Force confirms follow-on buys.

  • Planned outcomes: accelerate production, expand testing, and support NATO interoperability — centered on the B-21 Raider.
  • Timing: company expects awards before the end of 2025 to sustain program momentum.
  • Strategic effect: strengthens long-range strike and nuclear deterrence posture for the USAF and allies.

The B-21 program remains tightly controlled for security reasons, so public details about quantities, contract values or precise schedules are limited. What is clear from Northrop Grumman’s statements is an intent to scale up quickly if the U.S. Air Force awards the anticipated follow-on contracts, reinforcing the Raider’s role in future U.S. and NATO force planning.

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