The Air Force has unveiled new images of the B-21 Raider, a nuclear-armed stealth bomber and the first new American bomber in over 30 years.

Currently, six are in production, with flight tests occurring in California.

Andrew Hunter, assistant secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, reports that testing is progressing well, providing valuable insights into the aircraft’s unique characteristics.

Each B-21 Raider costs around $700 million, up from the initial $500 million estimate in 2010, with a contract for at least 100 units with Northrop Group, the Independent has reported.

Named after the Doolittle Raiders who conducted a surprise attack on Japan in 1942, the B-21 is the first bomber of the 21st century and will be part of a broader family of systems for Long Range Strike, including capabilities for Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and more.

It will be nuclear-capable, operable in both manned and unmanned missions, and designed to replace the B-1 and B-2 models, maintaining stealth to avoid radar detection.

Written by B.C. Begley