US B-21 stealth bomber drops first conventional weapon in landmark test

Designed to penetrate some of the world's most advanced air-defence systems and deliver devastating strikes deep inside enemy territory, America's next-generation stealth bomber has taken a crucial step towards becoming a combat-ready platform. The B-21 Raider has released its first conventional weapon in a landmark test.

The milestone brings the US Air Force closer to deploying a new generation of long-range strike capabilities. The US department of the air force announced the development on Friday, saying the B-21 test aircraft conducted the weapon-release exercise from Edwards Air Force Base in California. The test marked the first publicly confirmed weapon release by the next-generation stealth bomber.

The B-21's weapons testing comes as the US air force continues to expand the scope of the bomber's flight-test programme. According to TWZ, testing over the past year has increasingly focused on validating operational capabilities, including the aircraft's ability to refuel in mid-air. The service has also moved ahead with preparations for operational missions, with two pilots expected to crew the aircraft. An operational test pilot flew a B-21 for the first time in June, marking another step towards its eventual induction.

According to the department, the exercise validated the aircraft's digital models and open systems architecture, demonstrating its ability to integrate new weapons and adapt to evolving operational requirements. The Air Force said thousands of hours of virtual modelling using the B-21's digital twin environment had helped engineers predict and refine the weapon's trajectory before the actual flight test.

Air force secretary Troy Meink said the milestone demonstrated the bomber programme's progress in delivering improved combat capabilities and integrating new weapons more rapidly. According to The War Zone (TWZ), US air force has not disclosed the identity of the weapon used in the test or released images showing the bomber dropping the munition. The B-21 is designed to carry a range of conventional and nuclear weapons, including the AGM-181A long range stand-off nuclear-armed cruise missile, which is still under development.

The B-21 programme was launched after the US Air Force awarded Northrop Grumman a development contract in 2015. The bomber was unveiled publicly in December 2022 and made its maiden flight in November 2023. The service plans to acquire at least 100 aircraft, which are intended to replace the B-1B Lancer and B-2 Spirit as the backbone of its future bomber fleet. Developed by Northrop Grumman for the US Air Force, the B-21 Raider is a sixth-generation, long-range stealth strategic bomber featuring a flying-wing design and advanced low-observable technology.

The aircraft is designed to penetrate sophisticated air-defence networks and conduct long-range precision strikes. According to its manufacturer, it incorporates next-generation stealth capabilities, fuel-efficient engines and an open systems architecture that will allow the integration of new weapons, sensors and technologies.

The bomber is designed for a two-pilot crew and will be capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear weapons. Its planned arsenal includes stand-off and direct-attack weapons, with the AGM-181A Long Range Stand-Off nuclear cruise missile expected to form part of its future capabilities. The Air Force plans to acquire at least 100 B-21 aircraft, which will eventually replace the B-1B Lancer and B-2 Spirit.