New images of the Air Force’s future B-21 Raider stealth bomber were dropped this week at the Air & Space Forces Association's annual symposium (AFA). We now have our first quartering view of the flying-wing jet, which provides significant details about its design. A new head-on image also gives us a better idea of the bomber's actual size. You can read our full analysis of the new imagery here. Further details also emerged from AFA regarding the B-21, with the aircraft having started engine tests in preparation for its first flight — which the service hopes will occur later this year. You can read more about this, as well as the wider "family of systems" Raider is a part of, in this article here.
Meanwhile, General Kenneth S. Wilsbach, the head of Pacific Air Forces, has offered new comments regarding China’s growing fleet of J-20 stealth fighters. Compared to the capabilities of the U.S., and those of its allies and partners, the general says that the J-20 does not constitute a "dominating aircraft at this point," with much of its technology "stolen" from the U.S. Wilsbach’s remarks were given at the AFA symposium earlier this week. The general’s assessment of the J-20 is broadly in line with insights he made on the type at the 2022 AFA symposium.
We are also continuing our rolling coverage of the conflict in Ukraine as it develops, which can be found at The War Zone. You can also check out highlights of all our coverage from the last week below. -- Oliver Parken The War Zone |