B-21 Raider demonstrates weapon release capability, validating foundational role in US deterrence strategy

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) -

The Department of the Air Force conducted a weapons release test for the B-21 Raider last week, transitioning the platform from flight test to a functional weapons platform.

During the test, a B-21 test aircraft flying from Edwards Air Force Base, California, released a conventional weapon, validating its digital models and the maturity of its open systems architecture. This test proves the B-21's strike capability, proves its ability to rapidly onboard new weapons and solidifies its role as the future backbone of the U.S. bomber fleet.

"The B-21 is designed to deliver improved combat capability to the warfighter, combining reliability and maintainability to quickly integrate new weapons," said Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink. "This successful test demonstrates our ability to adapt rapidly and hold any target at risk if deterrence fails."

The execution of the test was built on thousands of hours of virtual modeling within the B-21's digital twin environment. This allowed the B-21 Combined Test Force to accelerate weapons integration and predict and refine the weapon's trajectory with unparalleled precision before the aircraft ever left the ground.

"This weapons test proves the B-21 program is excelling," said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach. "We are building an impressive fleet that will give our joint force credible, penetrating strike options for decades to come."

The B-21 Raider is the world's first and only sixth-generation, long-range, penetrating strike aircraft designed to provide the joint force with survivable, adaptable and networked strike capability in the most challenging environments. The program remains on track to have aircraft on the ramp at Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota, in 2027.