No long-range bomber can match the capabilities of the B-21 Raider, Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin said.
In the United States was presented a strategic stealth bomber of the new generation B-21 Raider, capable of carrying nuclear weapons. The ceremony took place at the Northrop Grumman plant in Palmdale, California, the Pentagon said on Friday evening, December 2.
The event was attended by US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. He said the new bomber was “critical to the task of protecting America and deterring aggression now and in the future.”
“We have explained to any potential adversary that the risks and costs of invasion are greater than any possible benefits,” the Pentagon chief said.
“No long-range bomber can match its capabilities. It will be difficult for the most effective air defense systems to detect it in the sky. The Raider is designed to deliver both conventional and nuclear weapons with incredible precision,” Austin said.
At the same time, the minister noted that the United States intends to develop a number of B-21s that can meet the future strategic situation.
The ceremony also included representatives of the US Congress, the Pentagon, the management of the Northrop Grumman development corporation and the engineering staff involved in the construction of the new bombers.
.@SecDef: We will continue to refine our acquisition process to acquire the right capabilities before we need them. That’s not always easy, but it’s always important. pic.twitter.com/yqpn43jSqH
— Department of Defense 🇺🇸 (@DeptofDefense) December 3, 2022
The aircraft on display is named after Lieutenant Colonel James Doolittle (1896-1993), who during World War II commanded the US Air Force’s first bombing raid on Japan in response to the attack on Pearl Harbor.
The first test flight of the B-21 Raider is expected to take place in 2023. There are currently six such strategic bombers in the United States at one stage or another of assembly. According to reports, the aircraft’s equipment and facilities have already passed preliminary computer checks. In the coming months, a ground test will be conducted on the operation of the engine.
The US Air Force plans to receive at least 100 B-21 Raider aircraft worth $80 billion. The first squadron of the newest bombers will be deployed at Ellsworth Air Force Base (South Dakota). Then these aircraft will also be deployed to Whiteman Air Force Base (Missouri) and Dyess (Texas).
Earlier, the US tested F-35 fighters for a thermonuclear strike. Having a fifth-generation aircraft with these capabilities provides an entirely new level of strategic potential, according to the Pentagon.
The network has photos of the new Chinese fighter FC-31
News from Correspondent.net on Telegram. Subscribe to our channel Athletistic
Source: korrespondent
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.