Stealth and defense: USA debuts B‑21 bomber, enhances missile shield

On Friday, March 19, the United States Air Force showcased the inaugural flight of its undetectable strategic bomber. The B-21 "Raider" is a long-range aircraft designed to carry both conventional and nuclear payloads, marking the start of its capabilities.

Utilizing stealth technology, the B-21 "Raider" bomber significantly reduces detectability, allowing it to carry a wide array of armaments, including conventional and nuclear missiles. Beyond its extensive range, the "Raider" is also equipped for reconnaissance missions and electronic warfare.

The B-21 first ascended into the skies last year, with flight tests currently underway, as confirmed by United States Air Force spokesperson Ann Stefanek. Stefanek emphasizes the critical nature of these tests. The Air Force has acquired 100 B-21 bombers in response to its promising capabilities.

While one hundred units might not seem extensive, the rationale, as explained by Air Force officials, lies in anticipation of rapid technological advancements, making a larger purchase now imprudent.

Northrop Grumman Corporation, a leading technology and defense company, produces the B-21 "Raider." This company secured the contract over a consortium of Boeing and Lockheed Martin.

Introducing the B-21 "Raider" bomber isn't the only recent advancement. During the last significant confrontation between Iran and Israel, the American military confirmed the use of new anti-ballistic missiles. Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro, quoted by Business Insider, shared that the ballistic missiles launched by Tehran were intercepted using Standard Missile 3 (SM-3) projectiles.

"We've been firing SM-2s, we've been firing SM-6s and just over the weekend, SM-3, to actually counter the ballistic missile threat that's come from Iran," shared Del Toro during a Senate Subcommittee on Defense session.

What sets the SM-3 apart is its design for operation in a vacuum, allowing it to intercept adversarial projectiles in low Earth orbit, making it a unique asset in missile defence.