B-21 Raider Nuclear Bomber Program Faces $1.6 Billion in Additional Costs, Reports Defense News

The American military conglomerate Northrop Grumman announced that the program for the new B-21 Raider nuclear bomber brought in $1.6 billion in additional costs in the last quarter of 2023, reports Defense News. It was then that the limited serial production of the avant-garde machine began.

When announcing the financial results, the company explained the situation with higher production costs and macroeconomic factors.

B21 Raider – America’s new nuclear stealth bomber flies for the first time

The USAF plans to buy 100 of the number from him

The US Air Force wants to have at least 100 B-21s, with the first ones expected to be operational within the next year or two. They have the latest stealth technology and are expected to penetrate deep into enemy territory and deliver precision strikes – overcoming their air defenses along the way.

Unlike other military projects, the Raider program is relatively on schedule – the aircraft was shown to the public in December 2022, a few months later it flew for the first time, and at the end of 2023 its production began.

The US Air Force unveils its new high-tech stealth bomber, the price tag is staggering

The US Air Force plans to purchase 100 such aircraft, which will be the “backbone” of military aviation

The Air Force allocated an additional $50 million to offset the effects of inflation, but what Executive Director Cathy Worden had long predicted happened — the first batch of B-21s would be at a loss.

For Northrop Grumman, this is the main reason why the aviation business is “in the red” with $1.3 billion, and the entire company – with $535 million.

Expectations are still positive – long-term contracts have been signed with most suppliers and subcontractors, options are being sought for further support from the Air Force, and the US economy is stabilizing.

2024-02-02 07:05:01
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