Northrop Grumman expands B-21 Raider production in California

Northrop Grumman and the United States Air Force have broken ground on a major expansion at Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale, California, to accelerate the production of the B-21 Raider stealth bomber. The project involves adding more than 93,000 square meters (approximately 1 million square feet) of new facilities dedicated to the aircraft’s final assembly line.

The expansion is funded by a combined $7 billion investment, consisting of $4.5 billion from the U.S. government and $2.5 billion in private capital from Northrop Grumman. This initiative aims to increase the annual production rate of the B-21 by 25%.

The B-21 Raider, which completed its inaugural flight in November 2023, is intended to replace aging bomber fleets. Operational units are expected to be deployed at Ellsworth Air Force Base by 2027. While the Air Force plans to acquire at least 100 units, officials have discussed the possibility of an even larger fleet to enhance long-range strike capabilities.