The U.S. Air Force says its B-21 Raider stealth bomber and F-47 fighter programs are progressing faster than expected. The first operational B-21 is expected to arrive at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota in 2027. The F-47, which is intended to replace the F-22 Raptor, is scheduled to make its first flight in 2028. Officials say additional funding and maturing development plans have helped accelerate both programs.

B-21 delivery target and testing progress

The Air Force expects the first operational B-21 Raider to be on the ramp at Ellsworth Air Force Base in 2027. The aircraft is being tested at Edwards Air Force Base in California, where a second B-21 has joined the flight-test program. That milestone is intended to expand testing and support the integration of the bomber’s weapons and mission systems.

Gen. Dale White, the Air Force official responsible for critical major weapon systems, said the B-21 acquisition effort has accelerated by roughly 25%. The update was provided during an Air Force industry conference in Dayton, Ohio, and represents one of the clearest public descriptions of the program’s current schedule.

The first operational B-21 is expected to be on the ramp at Ellsworth in 2027.

Funding and production plans for the bomber

The reported acceleration followed a one-time $4.5 billion funding increase included in the 2025 reconciliation bill. The additional money was intended to support the acquisition effort and help move the program forward more quickly.

The Pentagon has requested $6.1 billion for the B-21 program in its fiscal year 2027 budget proposal. Northrop Grumman plans eventually to produce seven operational bombers each year. The production objective is designed to support the Air Force’s long-term plan to acquire at least 100 B-21 aircraft.

B-21 mission and future bomber force

The B-21 is designed to carry conventional and nuclear weapons while penetrating advanced enemy air defenses. It is intended to replace the B-1 Lancer and B-2 Spirit over time, while operating alongside modernized B-52 Stratofortress bombers.

The B-52 is expected to remain in service into the middle of the century. Together, the aircraft are intended to provide the Air Force with a bomber force that combines long-range strike capacity, stealth, nuclear deterrence and conventional attack options.

F-47 development and air superiority role

The Boeing-built F-47 is the Air Force’s planned sixth-generation air superiority fighter. White said planning for the aircraft has reached an “unprecedented maturity,” indicating that requirements and development planning have advanced substantially.

The Air Force plans to acquire 185 F-47 fighters, with the first flight scheduled for 2028. The aircraft is expected to replace the F-22 Raptor as the service’s primary air superiority fighter and to operate with Collaborative Combat Aircraft, including autonomous support drones designed to work alongside crewed aircraft.

What the schedule means for next-generation aviation

The two programs are moving on separate timelines but represent complementary parts of the Air Force’s future force structure. The B-21 is focused on long-range stealth strike, while the F-47 is intended to provide air superiority in contested environments.

The Pentagon has requested $5.03 billion for the F-47 in its fiscal year 2027 budget proposal. Continued testing, funding decisions and production planning will determine whether the announced milestones translate into operational capability. The B-21’s second aircraft in flight testing and the F-47’s maturing design provide the current basis for the service’s schedule assessments.

Summary

The Air Force says its two leading next-generation aircraft programs are advancing ahead of earlier expectations. The B-21 is closest to operational service, with delivery to Ellsworth planned for 2027, while the F-47 is moving toward a 2028 first flight. Their progress will shape the future bomber and air superiority fleets as testing, funding and production continue.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the first operational B-21 expected?

The first operational B-21 Raider is expected to arrive at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota in 2027.

How many B-21 bombers does the Air Force plan to acquire?

The Air Force plans to acquire at least 100 B-21 bombers, with production eventually expected to reach seven operational aircraft annually.

What is the F-47’s planned role?

The F-47 is intended to replace the F-22 Raptor as the Air Force’s primary air superiority fighter and operate alongside Collaborative Combat Aircraft.

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