Northrop Grumman sells B-21 test aircraft to USAF as Raider production ramps up
April 22, 2026
Northrop Grumman has sold a company-owned B-21 Raider to the United States Air Force, signalling growing momentum in the programme as production ramps up and the aircraft moves closer to its planned 2027 entry into service.
The disclosure came during the company’s Q1 2026 earnings call, where executives outlined a series of developments pointing to both accelerating delivery timelines and the potential expansion of the overall fleet.
Northrop sells test B-21 aircraft to US Air Force
Chief Financial Officer John Green said the company had agreed to sell an aircraft previously retained as an internal test asset in order to support faster deliveries.
“To support the acceleration of aircraft deliveries, we agreed to sell an aircraft to the Air Force that was previously planned to be utilised as a company-owned test asset.”
The move suggests increasing confidence in the maturity of the Raider’s test programme, while also reflecting pressure to transition aircraft into operational service more quickly.
A second test aircraft was delivered to the Air Force in 2025, although the exact number of airframes currently in service has not been disclosed. Based on known deliveries, the fleet is likely to stand at three or more aircraft.
Green emphasised that the transaction does not alter the total number of aircraft expected under the Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) phase, but instead shifts revenue recognition forward.”
B-21 production ramp-up signals larger fleet ambition
Northrop also confirmed it has finalised an agreement with the Air Force to increase annual B-21 production by 25%, supported by funding from last year’s reconciliation package.
The company is investing around $2.5 billion of its own capital, primarily into new production facilities, phased over several years to support the higher output.
That expansion is already fuelling speculation that the programme of record could grow significantly. While the Air Force has previously stated a requirement for at least 100 aircraft, there are increasing indications that the total could eventually approach 200 bombers.
B-21 Raider is now around 10% of Northrop’s revenue
The B-21 programme is rapidly becoming a central pillar of Northrop Grumman’s business. Chief Executive Officer Kathy Warden said the Raider now accounts for close to 10% of company revenue, a figure expected to rise as production accelerates.
Elsewhere, missile defence systems also represent roughly 10% of revenue, with weapons programmes contributing a similar share. The LGM-35 Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile programme currently accounts for around 6–7% and is projected to grow into the low double digits this year.
Northrop added that the proposed $1.5 trillion US defence budget for Fiscal 2027, equivalent to around 5% of GDP, would include significant funding increases across key programmes, including the B-21, Sentinel, IBCS, and the E-2D.
B-21 on course for 2027 in-service date
Northrop reiterated that the Raider remains on course to enter operational service in 2027, with the first aircraft due to arrive at Ellsworth Air Force Base, which will serve as the bomber’s main operating location.
“We are on a path through both testing and production for B-21 to arrive at Ellsworth Air Force Base in 2027,” the company said.
The programme is progressing through testing at what Northrop described as an “aggressive pace”, including recent aerial refuelling trials.
With Lot 3 awarded in the fourth quarter of 2025 and Lot 4 secured in the first quarter of 2026, production is now firmly underway. While exact quantities remain undisclosed, previous comments from President Donald Trump have suggested that at least 28 aircraft have already been ordered.
Designed as a dual-capable nuclear and conventional penetrating bomber, the B-21 is expected to form the backbone of the Air Force’s future long-range strike capability, and is one of the few major US defence programmes currently tracking close to schedule.
Featured Image: Northrop Grumman
