Second B-21 Raider bomber takes flight and arrives at Edwards AFB for testing

The US Air Force has received its second B-21 Raider test aircraft, which arrived at Edwards Air Force Base on September 11, 2025. This addition marks a major step in the bomber’s development, enabling more advanced mission systems testing, weapons integration and sustainment planning. 

The second aircraft was delivered from Northrop Grumman’s facility in Palmdale, California, to join the first B-21, which is already undergoing flight trials at Edwards.  

Testing momentum increases 

With two test aircraft available, the program can now expand beyond basic flight performance checks into more advanced phases of evaluation. 

“With the arrival of the second B-21 Raider, our flight test campaign gains substantial momentum,” US Air Force Secretary Troy Meink said. “We can now expedite critical evaluations of mission systems and weapons capabilities, directly supporting the strategic deterrence and combat effectiveness envisioned for this aircraft.” 

Air Force Chief of Staff General David Allvin added: “By having more assets in the test environment, we bring this capability to our warfighters faster, demonstrating the urgency with which we’re tackling modernization.”  

In parallel with flight trials, preparations are underway at the bomber’s future operating bases. During fiscal year 2026, major construction projects will advance at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota, the first base slated to receive operational B-21s, as well as at Dyess AFB in Texas and Whiteman AFB in Missouri. 

Having more than one aircraft in the test program also allows maintainers to trial technical data, tools and logistics processes, ensuring that sustainment can support operational readiness once the Raider enters service. 

Strategic role of the B-21 Raider

Developed by Northrop Grumman under the oversight of the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office, the B-21 Raider is designed to carry both conventional and nuclear payloads. It is intended to replace the B-1B Lancer and B-2 Spirit, serving as a cornerstone of the United States’ long-range strike and nuclear deterrence capabilities. 

The program is progressing through low-rate initial production while testing continues. The addition of a second test aircraft signals growing momentum toward eventual operational capability before the end of the decade.