Forget B-2 Bomber, US to unveil its deadliest, most powerful B-21 raider, has thermal masking system, can carry 13 tonnes…, name is…

The B-21 Raider is a project that is among the most secretive defense programs in the United States. However, open-source intelligence (OSINT) and satellites have provided insight into the relatively quiet development of the program. Recently, multiple B-21 test flights were observed at Edwards Air Force Base in California, reported NavBharatTimes. According to several media reports, experts suggested that these test flights were part of the assessment of the bomber’s stealth capabilities, that is, it can operate undetected and is totally invisible on active radar.

What is B-2 Spirit?

Although the B-2 Spirit and the B-21 Raider are both stealth bombers, the B-21 has next-generation technology, making the B-21 as ready for future warfare as it can be. Although the B-2 could avoid radar, the B-21’s stealth capability far exceeds the B-2. While the B-2 took measures to mitigate its heat signature as part of a stealth capability improvement, the B-21 boasts a complete thermal masking system that enables it to evade infrared detection as well. According to the NavBharatTimes report, the B-21 has smart capabilities, like integration of AI, as well as health monitoring systems that allow it to detect and diagnose its own technical anomalies.

To date, there is no direct indication that live missile tests have been successfully conducted as of this writing. Nevertheless, there are plans for the B-21 Raider to conduct live test series weapon bay opening and dummy bomb tests in July of 2025; this includes testing to simulate Unified Combatant command-fight scenarios with dummy bombs to understand the effects of combat-weight and future release. Although the Pentagon and Northrop Grumman are not making any comments, there was a leak that indicated that the B-21 initial operational deployment phase should occur by 2027, with a full operational capability by 2029. And when the B-21 enters active service, aerial warfare will never be the same.

The B-21 is capable of carrying both nuclear and conventional weapons. Reports indicate it can hold up to 13 tonnes of payload, including B61 and B83 nuclear bombs, along with precision-guided missiles. With a range of approximately 12,000 kilometers, the B-21 can strike targets anywhere in the world.

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