The Air Force's B-21 Raider Bomber Nightmare Has Begun

Summary: The B-21 Raider, Northrop Grumman's next-generation stealth bomber, encountered a significant cost overrun of nearly $1.6 billion in the fourth quarter of 2023, primarily due to rising production costs and macroeconomic disruptions.

-Critics argue this challenges the program's value, especially with the increasing role of drones in warfare. However, the B-21 is intended to replace the aging B-2 Spirit, whose stealth capabilities are becoming less effective against modern detection technologies.