The B-2 Spirit's stealth and 30,000-pound bunker busters with the B-52's massive 70,000-pound payload. Discover how these bombers would strike Iran.

B-2's ghost mode vs B-52's massive power: Which bomber could hit Iran harder?

The B-21 Raider is replacing the B-2 Spirit. It looks similar but costs $700M not $2.1B, is optionally unmanned, and the US is building 100. Here is what they fixed and what they kept.

'B-21 Raider': Why US Is building 100 pieces of them?

The F-35 programme has a $2 trillion lifetime cost through 2070. B-2 Spirit cost $44.75 billion for 21 aircraft. USS Gerald Ford costs $12.9 billion with advanced launch systems. Know more details below.


From F-35 Lightning II Programme to Manhattan Project: 10 most expensive defence projects in human history

The US Air Force has confirmed the second flight of the B-21 Raider bomber in California, marking a major step toward fielding America’s first new long-range stealth bomber in over 30 years. 

'More deadlier than ever': US unleashes B-21 Raider on its second flight with upgrades to replace B-2 Bomber

The US Air Force is retiring the B-1B Lancer due to ageing airframes and high costs. It will be replaced by the stealthy, advanced B-21 Raider by 2027, continuing the B-1B’s legacy. Here is what you should know

B-1B Lancer, world record-holding bomber of US Air Force, is being retired. Legacy, reasons and replacer B-21 Raider, explained

The B-21 Raider is the US Air Force’s next stealth bomber, rumoured to be almost invisible to radar. Sources claim that a mosquito-sized radar signature and new tech, is total invisibility real or just hype? 

‘Vanish in seconds’: Could the B-21 raider be completely invisible?

When the US launched the Iraq War in March 2003, the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber played a pivotal role. Its first missions included dropping precision-guided bombs on Baghdad, targeting command centres and military infrastructure to cripple Saddam Hussein’s defence network within hours.

How B-2 Bombers launched strikes during Iraq War

Unlike fighter-bombers or tactical strike aircraft, strategic bombers can fly thousands of kilometres, carry substantial payloads, and are built to bypass or survive heavy air defences. 

Only three nations fly bomber jets! What makes them so rare?

The B-21 Raider is America’s newest stealth bomber, built to evade detection. Russia’s S-500 prometheus claims it can spot such stealth threats. Both are advanced. Russia’s S-500 air defence experts says it can spot planes like that. Who will win? 

B-21 Raider: Can America’s new stealth bomber outsmart Russia’s S-500 defences?

<p>What if a bomber precisely hit any country's territory, carrying deep-penetration without being seen or intercepted until it's too late? So, this is exactly what a stealth bomber is, which evades detection by radar, infrared, and other enemy tracking systems. These military aircraft are equipped with low-observable technologies, such as radar-absorbing materials, unique aerodynamic shapes, and internal weapons bays.</p><p>Their primary role is to deliver nuclear or conventional weapons while remaining invisible to modern air defence systems. Stealth bombers play a significant role in contemporary warfare by offering strategic deterrence, precision strike capability, and a first-strike advantage in war-like scenarios.</p><p><strong>Based on current roles in military operations, either it has already been used or is in the developing phase, we have categorised the top 5 best Stealth Bombers in the World:</strong></p><h3>1. Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider (USA)</h3><p>The B-21 Raider is the latest stealth bomber, which is in the development phase for the United States Air Force (USAF). It is being designed to replace the ageing B-1B Lancer and B-2 Spirit, as it features next-generation stealth technology, extended range, and AI-assisted avionics. The aircraft is optimised for both conventional and nuclear strikes, with the capability to penetrate sophisticated air defence systems. It is also expected to exceed 6,000 miles, similar to or better than the B-2, and likely to enter service by 2040, according to a report in Eletimes.</p><h3>2. Northrop  Grumman  B‑2 Spirit of US</h3><p>It is made by Northrop Grumman, the bomber, with its cutting-edge stealth technology, which began its production in the 1980s but was stopped by the fall of the Soviet Union. Later, the Pentagon’s procurement program was cut short, and only 21 were produced.</p><p>The B-2 can carry two 15-ton bunker-buster bombs, which are possessed by the US only. It can penetrate complex air defences and launch precise attacks on targets that have become impenetrable. These bombers can attack any target in the world from continental US bases due to their wide range. It has a range of over 6,000 nautical miles without refuelling.</p><p>It is equipped with a two-pilot crew configuration, which helps reduce personnel requirements while also maintaining operational effectiveness through advanced automation systems. With a payload capacity of more than 40,000 pounds, the aircraft can carry a diverse array of conventional and nuclear weapons.</p><h3>3. Xian H-20 of China</h3><p>Another developing stealth bomber, the Xian H-20, is expected to be a game-changer in strategic bombing for the People’s Liberation Army Air Force. It is being designed to rival the B-2 and B-21 in stealth and range to evade modern radar systems.</p><p>The bomber carries up to 20,000 pounds of nuclear and conventional munitions and has the caliber to travel over 6,000 miles (10,000 km), enabling long-range strikes.</p><h3>4. Rockwell B-1B Lancer (USA)</h3><p>The B-1B Lancer, also known as “The Bone,” is a long-range, supersonic conventional bomber, multi-mission, designed for nuclear capabilities, which is used by the United States Air Force. The B-1 can exceed the speed of sound, reaching Mach 1.2 at higher altitudes, though it typically cruises at subsonic speeds. It can also hold 24 cruise missiles.</p><p>It can carry a massive payload of up to 75,000 pounds (34,019 kg) of bombs and missiles, carrying the weapons over longer distances. And it can fly 4,600 miles (7,400 km) without refuelling with a 37,000-pound (16,800 kg) payload and unlimited global range with in-air refuelling.</p><h3>5. Russia's Tupolev Tu-160M2&nbsp;</h3><p>The upgraded Tu-160M2 is an improved version of the Cold War-era Tu-160 with more powerful engines. It boasts advanced avionics, electronic warfare systems, and extended operational range, which makes it the premier supersonic strategic bomber of Russia. It is also being prioritised for the pairing of a high-speed and long-ranged weapons payload.</p>

Stealth bombers play a significant role in contemporary warfare by offering strategic deterrence, precision strike capability, and a first-strike advantage in war like scenarios.

What if a bomber precisely hit any country's territory, carrying deep-penetration without being seen or intercepted until it's too late? So, this is exactly what a stealth bomber is, which evades detection by radar, infrared, and other enemy tracking systems. These military aircraft are equipped with low-observable technologies, such as radar-absorbing materials, unique aerodynamic shapes, and internal weapons bays. Their primary role is to deliver nuclear or conventional weapons while remaining invisible to modern air defence systems. Stealth bombers play a significant role in contemporary warfare by offering strategic deterrence, precision strike capability, and a first-strike advantage in war-like scenarios. Based on current roles in military operations, either it has already been used or is in the developing phase, we have categorised the top 5 best Stealth Bombers in the World: 1. Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider (USA) The B-21 Raider is the latest stealth bomber, which is in the development phase for the United States Air Force (USAF). It is being designed to replace the ageing B-1B Lancer and B-2 Spirit, as it features next-generation stealth technology, extended range, and AI-assisted avionics. The aircraft is optimised for both conventional and nuclear strikes, with the capability to penetrate sophisticated air defence systems. It is also expected to exceed 6,000 miles, similar to or better than the B-2, and likely to enter service by 2040, according to a report in Eletimes. 2. Northrop  Grumman  B‑2 Spirit of US It is made by Northrop Grumman, the bomber, with its cutting-edge stealth technology, which began its production in the 1980s but was stopped by the fall of the Soviet Union. Later, the Pentagon’s procurement program was cut short, and only 21 were produced. The B-2 can carry two 15-ton bunker-buster bombs, which are possessed by the US only. It can penetrate complex air defences and launch precise attacks on targets that have become impenetrable. These bombers can attack any target in the world from continental US bases due to their wide range. It has a range of over 6,000 nautical miles without refuelling. It is equipped with a two-pilot crew configuration, which helps reduce personnel requirements while also maintaining operational effectiveness through advanced automation systems. With a payload capacity of more than 40,000 pounds, the aircraft can carry a diverse array of conventional and nuclear weapons. 3. Xian H-20 of China Another developing stealth bomber, the Xian H-20, is expected to be a game-changer in strategic bombing for the People’s Liberation Army Air Force. It is being designed to rival the B-2 and B-21 in stealth and range to evade modern radar systems. The bomber carries up to 20,000 pounds of nuclear and conventional munitions and has the caliber to travel over 6,000 miles (10,000 km), enabling long-range strikes. 4. Rockwell B-1B Lancer (USA) The B-1B Lancer, also known as “The Bone,” is a long-range, supersonic conventional bomber, multi-mission, designed for nuclear capabilities, which is used by the United States Air Force. The B-1 can exceed the speed of sound, reaching Mach 1.2 at higher altitudes, though it typically cruises at subsonic speeds. It can also hold 24 cruise missiles. It can carry a massive payload of up to 75,000 pounds (34,019 kg) of bombs and missiles, carrying the weapons over longer distances. And it can fly 4,600 miles (7,400 km) without refuelling with a 37,000-pound (16,800 kg) payload and unlimited global range with in-air refuelling. 5. Russia's Tupolev Tu-160M2 The upgraded Tu-160M2 is an improved version of the Cold War-era Tu-160 with more powerful engines. It boasts advanced avionics, electronic warfare systems, and extended operational range, which makes it the premier supersonic strategic bomber of Russia. It is also being prioritised for the pairing of a high-speed and long-ranged weapons payload.

<p>Stealth bombers play a significant role in contemporary warfare by offering strategic deterrence, precision strike capability, and a first-strike advantage in war like scenarios.</p>

From US' B-21 Raider to China’s Xian H-20: Top 5 Stealth Bombers in World

The US unveiled its new stealth bomber, the B-21 raider in grand fashion. The grand launch of the B-21 Raider was in sharp contrast to its predecessor B-2's debut, which happened more than three decades ago. ‘Deterrence’ was the key word during the unveiling. But why? Who is US trying to scare? What’s the Game Plan for the B-21 Raider? A report by Shivan Chanana.

US B-21 Raider | Who is America trying to scare? | WION Game Plan

The US Airforce has unveiled its next generation stealth bomber, dubbed the B-21 raider, it is now being described as the most advanced military bomber ever built. The Pentagon officials including Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin along with representatives of the military revealed the B-21 raider at an interesting and dramatic ceremony.

'Most advanced military aircraft ever built': Big boost to US Airforce, unveils B-21 raider

In pics | US unveils world's first sixth generation nuclear stealth bomber, B-21 Raider

<p>The United States on Friday (December 3) unveiled B-21 Raider, a high-tech stealth bomber that can carry both nuclear and conventional weapons. The bomber is designed to fly without a crew on board.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The bomber was unveiled at a slickly choreographed ceremony at Northrop Grumman's facility in Palmdale, California. Northrop Grumman is manufacturing the bomber. The ceremony opened with US national anthem as older bombers roared over a crowd that included top US officials.</p>

<p>Dramatic music played and lights flashed as the doors of a hanger holding the new aircraft slowly opened, and the crowd applauded as the cloth covering it was pulled away to reveal a sleek grey bomber that is on track to cost nearly $700 million per plane.</p>

<p>"The B-21 Raider is the first strategic bomber in more than three decades. It is a testament to America's enduring advantages in ingenuity and innovation," US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said in remarks at the ceremony.</p>

<p>Many specifics of the aircraft are being kept under wraps, but the plane will offer significant advances over existing bombers in the US fleet, which Austin highlighted in his remarks.</p>

<p>He hailed its range -- "no other long-range bomber can match its efficiency" -- and its durability, saying it is "designed to be the most maintainable bomber ever built".</p>

<p>Like the F-22 and F-35 warplanes, the B-21 features stealth technology, which minimizes an aircraft's signature through both its shape and the materials it is constructed from, making it harder for adversaries to detect.</p>

<p>"Fifty years of advances in low-observable technology have gone into this aircraft," Austin said. "Even the most sophisticated air defence systems will struggle to detect the B-21 in the sky."</p>

<p>The plane is also built with an "open system architecture," which allows for the incorporation of "new weapons that haven't even been invented yet," he said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The United States on Friday (December 3) unveiled B-21 Raider, a high-tech stealth bomber that can carry both nuclear and conventional weapons. The bomber is designed to fly without a crew on board.

The United States on Friday (December 3) unveiled B-21 Raider, a high-tech stealth bomber that can carry both nuclear and conventional weapons. The bomber is designed to fly without a crew on board. The bomber was unveiled at a slickly choreographed ceremony at Northrop Grumman's facility in Palmdale, California. Northrop Grumman is manufacturing the bomber. The ceremony opened with US national anthem as older bombers roared over a crowd that included top US officials. Dramatic music played and lights flashed as the doors of a hanger holding the new aircraft slowly opened, and the crowd applauded as the cloth covering it was pulled away to reveal a sleek grey bomber that is on track to cost nearly $700 million per plane. "The B-21 Raider is the first strategic bomber in more than three decades. It is a testament to America's enduring advantages in ingenuity and innovation," US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said in remarks at the ceremony. Many specifics of the aircraft are being kept under wraps, but the plane will offer significant advances over existing bombers in the US fleet, which Austin highlighted in his remarks. He hailed its range -- "no other long-range bomber can match its efficiency" -- and its durability, saying it is "designed to be the most maintainable bomber ever built". Like the F-22 and F-35 warplanes, the B-21 features stealth technology, which minimizes an aircraft's signature through both its shape and the materials it is constructed from, making it harder for adversaries to detect. "Fifty years of advances in low-observable technology have gone into this aircraft," Austin said. "Even the most sophisticated air defence systems will struggle to detect the B-21 in the sky." The plane is also built with an "open system architecture," which allows for the incorporation of "new weapons that haven't even been invented yet," he said. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

US unveils new B-21 stealth bomber capable of uncrewed flight

How the B-21 Raider stealth bomber will define conventional and nuclear missions for the US Air Force

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