Watch: Bystander Appears to Capture New B-21 Raider Stealth Bomber Flying Low Over Wichita
A recent video taken near McConnell Air Force Base in Kansas shows what appears to be the US’s latest stealth bomber,the B-21 Raider. This aircraft, first test flown in 2023, is intended to replace older bombers like the B-1 and B-2, and is designed for both conventional and nuclear missions. The B-21 is named in honor of the past Doolittle Raiders from World War II and is expected to become the backbone of the US bomber fleet by the mid-2020s, with an estimated cost of around $639 million per unit. The aircraft features advanced stealth capabilities, open systems architecture, and potential for manned or unmanned operation. The US Air Force has highlighted its importance for future airpower, particularly in high-threat environments, and plans to order around 100 units. The B-21 Raider symbolizes significant advancements in American military technology and strategic capabilities.
Video taken Tuesday appears to show a rare glimpse of America’s latest Stealth weapon.
A video that appears to match past images of the B-21 Raider was taken near McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita, Kansas, on Tuesday, according to the New York Post.
The image appears similar to photos the Air Force released in 2024.
The plane’s first test flight was in 2023, Military.com reported.
Mysterious aircraft was spotted flying over McConnell Air Force Base in Kansas, fueling speculation that it may have been a rare glimpse of America’s costly, top-secret B-21 Raider stealth bomber – reports (📹 justind8036) pic.twitter.com/ZGTBDOAddI
— Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) August 12, 2026
The B-21 bomber was developed to replace the B-1 and B-2 bombers, according to an Air Force news release.
“The B-21 Raider will be a dual-capable penetrating strike stealth bomber capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear munitions,” the Air Force said in a fact sheet about the new plane.
“The B-21 will form the backbone of the future Air Force bomber force consisting of B-21s and B-52s. Designed to operate in tomorrow’s high-end threat environment, the B-21 will play a critical role in ensuring America’s enduring airpower capability,” the fact sheet said.
The #B21 Raider continues to conduct flight tests at Edwards with the B-21 Combined Test Force, including ground testing, taxiing, and flying operations. The Raider continues to make progress toward becoming the backbone of the #USAF bomber fleet. #AFMC @usairforce pic.twitter.com/u03HsnTKwd
— Edwards Air Force Base (@EdwardsAFB) May 22, 2024
The Air Force has said that operational status is expected to be achieved “in the mid-2020s.”
“Nuclear modernization is a top priority for the Department of Defense and the Air Force, and B-21 is key to that plan,” Randall Walden, Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office director, said in the Air Force release.
“The built-in feature of open systems architecture on the B-21 makes the bomber effective as the threat environment evolves. This aircraft design approach sets the nation on the right path to ensuring America’s enduring airpower capability,” he said.
“The B-21 Raider will be a component of a larger family of systems for conventional Long Range Strike, including Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, electronic attack, communication and other capabilities. It will be nuclear capable and designed to accommodate manned or unmanned operations,” according to the fact sheet.
The B-21 will fly with a bit of history in its name.
“The B-21 Raider is named in honor of the historic Doolittle Raiders, U.S. Army Air Force men who are known for their surprise attack against Japan during World War II on April 18, 1942, which forced the Japanese to recall combat forces for home defense, and boosted morale among Americans and U.S. allies abroad. The designation B-21 recognizes the Raider as the first bomber of the 21st century,” the fact sheet said.
The Air Force has estimated that each plane will cost about $639 million in 2019 dollars.
The Air Force plans to order 100 of the planes.
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