Open source intelligence and controlled leaks have revealed significant details about the B-21 program’s capabilities.
The B-21 Raider stealth bomber program is one of the most secretive programs in the US military. Little has been formally disclosed about the aircraft. However, civilian aviation analysts believe the B-21 has conducted radar signature validation flights in the past week.
Conducted within the restricted airspace of Edwards Air Force Base, the B-21 is known to have performed at least two high-altitude test sorties. The observed patterns of the flights were consistent with radar cross-section (RCS) validation, which involves coordinated tracking by US Air Force radar arrays and AWACS platforms.
Reports suggest that the B-21 flew with external pods, which were possibly radar reflectors or ECM gear used for comparative analysis.
What Open Source Intelligence Reveals About the B-21
Satellite passes over Edwards AFB showed unusual ground activity at the Northrop B-21 hangar, including heat signatures indicative of prolonged preflight prep and data collection arrays set up around the taxiways.
Infrared data implies that thermal masking systems were activated—possibly in conjunction with exhaust profile testing, which would support the notion that the B-21 is designed to have a drastically reduced infrared signature.
The B-21 is also believed to have recently undergone an evaluation for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding and resilience. That belief is supported by the number of trucks and mobile antenna arrays that were deployed, suggesting the integration of next-gen communications and jam-resistant satellite uplinks. These tests may have been designed to simulate near-peer EW environments, similar to those the US Air Force could encounter in a conflict with China’s anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) bubbles.
Moreover, the prototype B-21 tail number RA-03 is believed to have undergone a post-flight teardown of a test article. This evaluation included the examination of two key components: the skin coating, which was examined under extended speed and altitude stress, and the autonomous health monitoring systems, which the B-21 is equipped with to self-diagnose component issues.
To date, no known weapon tests have been made public on the B-21. However, rumors have begun to circulate that the B-21 will conduct its first weapons bay opens and simulated release tests in July, which will use telemetry rather than live payloads.
All of the B-21 testing is being conducted under tight-lipped secrecy. The only information gleaned is from controlled leaks or open-source intelligence. Neither the Department of Defense nor Northrop Grumman press releases have acknowledged the June 2025 tests. The information has instead been gained from flight activity patterns, satellite imagery, and defense insider leaks.
The B-21 Project Is on Schedule
The B-21 is expected to reach initial Operational Capability (IOC) by 2027. However, the timeline is subject to change.
Despite the classified nature of the program, it appears the project is on schedule. As of this month, multiple test aircraft are flying, with radar signature, systems integration, and performance validation well underway. Low-rate initial production (LRIP) has already begun under classified terms.
When the B-21 is ready, it will be delivered to Ellsworth AFB in South Dakota. Full combat readiness likely will not occur until around 2029, assuming that all test milestones continue on schedule.
When the B-21 does reach full combat readiness, expect the B-1 and B-2 to be rapidly phased out.
About the Author: Harrison Kass
Harrison Kass is a senior defense and national security writer with over 1,000 total pieces on issues involving global affairs. An attorney, pilot, guitarist, and minor pro hockey player, Harrison joined the US Air Force as a Pilot Trainee but was medically discharged. Harrison holds a BA from Lake Forest College, a JD from the University of Oregon, and an MA from New York University. Harrison listens to Dokken.
Region: Americas
Topic: Aircraft
Tags: B-21 Raider, Stealth Bomber, US Air Force, Northrop Grumman, North America, United States, Aircraft
Image: Wikimedia Commons.
