US unveils terrifying $776 million B-21 Raider nuclear bomber in warning to Putin

The United States has officially revealed its second purchase of the $776 million B-21 Raider, a state-of-the-art stealth nuclear bomber. The aircraft was recently spotted arriving at Edwards Air Force Base in California on September 11, marking a significant milestone in America’s plan to eventually produce 100 of these next-generation warplanes.

Boasting an impressive range of around 12,000 km (7,456 miles), the B-21 Raider is designed to carry out nuclear strikes anywhere in the world. According to the U.S. Air Force (USAF), “The addition of the second test aircraft expands mission systems and weapons integration testing, advancing the program towards operational readiness.”

Both pre-production B-21s, built by Northrop Grumman, are now part of the 420th Flight Test Squadron. These bombers will undergo rigorous mission system and weapons integration tests, with the goal of achieving full operational readiness later this decade.

Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink highlighted the significance of the milestone, stating, “With the arrival of the second B-21 Raider, our flight test campaign gains substantial momentum. We can now expedite critical evaluations of mission systems and weapons capabilities, directly supporting the strategic deterrence and combat effectiveness envisioned for this aircraft.”

Earlier reports indicated that the B-21 Raider is expected to enter active service in the mid-2020s, with an ultimate production goal of at least 100 aircraft.

This development comes amid heightened global tensions. Just last week, Russian drones crossed into Polish airspace en route to targets in Ukraine, prompting NATO fighter jets to respond. While Russia insisted it had no intention of striking Polish territory, experts believe the incident reflects President Vladimir Putin testing international responses as he weighs potential escalation in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

The arrival of the second B-21 Raider reinforces the U.S.’s long-term strategic deterrence capabilities, sending a clear message about its readiness to respond to emerging global threats.