The U.S. Air Force will reassess its procurement of the B-21 Raider strategic bombers.

Previously, the U.S. Air Force planned to acquire at least 100 B-21 aircraft to replace the aging B-1 Lancer and B-2 Spirit in the early next decade. However, military officials, having reassessed their overall approach to conducting air warfare and evaluated the initial results of ground and flight tests of the new stealth bomber, which are progressing on schedule, have decided to expand the B-21 Raider fleet. At this point, it is unclear how many aircraft are being considered.

The strategic bomber B-21 Raider features enhanced stealth capabilities, enabling it to perform missions that penetrate modern air defense systems and strike targets deep within enemy territory. The B-21 Raider is capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear weapons.