The U.S. Air Force's next-generation B-21 Raider stealth bomber program is ahead of schedule, with the first operational aircraft expected at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota in 2027. The service's sixth-generation F-47 fighter is also progressing faster than anticipated, according to Gen. Dale White, director of Critical Major Weapon Systems.
White announced the progress during the Air Force's Life Cycle Industry Days conference. The B-21 acquisition program has reportedly accelerated by approximately 25% following a one-time $4.5 billion funding boost included in the 2025 reconciliation bill. This update provides one of the clearest public confirmations to date on the status of these two key next-generation aircraft programs.
Months after the Air Force announced that a second B-21 Raider had joined flight testing at Edwards Air Force Base in California, accelerating testing and weapons integration, the first operational B-21 is anticipated to be "on the ramp" at Ellsworth in 2027. Northrop Grumman aims to eventually produce seven operational bombers annually. The Pentagon has requested $6.1 billion for the B-21 program in its fiscal year 2027 budget proposal.
Developed by Northrop Grumman, the B-21 is designed to carry both conventional and nuclear weapons and penetrate advanced enemy air defenses. It is expected to eventually replace the B-1 Lancer and B-2 Spirit bombers, while operating alongside modernized B-52 Stratofortress bombers that are slated to remain in service into the mid-21st century. The Air Force plans to acquire at least 100 B-21 bombers.
Regarding the Boeing-built F-47 fighter, White stated that planning for the aircraft has reached an "unprecedented maturity." The Air Force intends to acquire 185 F-47 fighters, with the first flight scheduled for 2028. This aircraft will succeed the F-22 Raptor as the service's primary air superiority fighter. It is expected to work in conjunction with Collaborative Combat Aircraft, which are autonomous "loyal wingman" drones designed to support crewed aircraft in combat. The Pentagon has requested $5.03 billion for the F-47 program in its fiscal year 2027 budget request.