The United States is investing $4.5 billion to increase annual production capacity for the nuclear-capable B-21 Raider stealth bomber by 25 percent. Washington officially plans to acquire at least 100 aircraft, but US Strategic Command has supported a fleet of approximately 145, while other studies suggest as many as 200 could be required for sustained long-range operations. The Air Force has not authorised those higher totals, and the exact production rate remains classified. However, the expansion gives the Pentagon the capacity to accelerate deliveries if strategic requirements grow. With American fighters facing severe range limitations in the Pacific and vulnerable refuelling aircraft needed to reach Chinese targets, the B-21 is being positioned as the backbone of Washington’s future long-range strike force against China, Russia and Iran. Watch.
