US unveils new B-21 Raider nuclear stealth bomber after years of secret development

The US Air Force has unveiled its new nuclear stealth bomber, which will gradually replace aircraft first flown in the Cold War.

While specific details of the aircraft remain shrouded in secrecy, the B-21 is the first new bomber in three decades and can carry both nuclear and conventional weapons.

Lloyd Austin, US defence secretary, said the plane will offer significant advances over existing bombers in America's fleet.

The first flight by a B-21 is expected to take place in 2023.

About The Independent:
Making Change Happen. The Independent is the world’s most free-thinking newsbrand, providing global news, commentary and analysis for the independently-minded.

Connect with The Independent:

[thepuckingtontv]

I love how they unveil this like it's what everyone wanted. Nuclear war yay!

[richardreese]

Look at our “new” plane that’s been around for 30 years smh

[dgallagher]

You know that if they’re showing us this, it’s already old and has been replaced.

[alcbaz]

That’s nothing, the British army just released footage of their brand new Land Rover General Service Mk20. It has a cassette radio player and windows that almost don’t fall out when you go above 40mph.

[Jack_Gibby]

Only America has a crowd cheering when a nuclear stealth bomber is revealed

[blatherskite]

Neat that you got the exclusive on the "Team America 2" trailer. I mean, this _is_ satire ... right? Has to be. Because it's really not normal for people to applaud the unveiling of a "nuclear stealth bomber" like it's a new iPhone.

[johnr.b.murray]

I wonder how many trillion dollars went missing into the parasite’s filthy clutches for this heap of scrap.

[williamsmiler]

An advanced death machine!

I can die a happy man today, after my trip to the foodbank for a last meal.

[nexus]

Fine it can do nukes or conventional weapons - but does it have a cup holder?

[shnebmusic]

yey cheers from the crowd. a planet destroyer! thats exactly what i wanted for christmas.

[consultant]

Yes it looks the same as the B2 just with techno like gating behind - that’s how trillions goes missing 😂😂

[NonConsensual]

"It's now time to showcase it in action"

*Points gun at audience*

[ben.bros.lifestylefitnessa]

That doesnt look far off a ufo. Well done guys

[Bennyboy]

There’s your answer if in the future you think you’ve seen an ufo.

[calchemist]

Why dont they show us about the TR3B. Created in the the aurora project ? It uses a pressurised mercury vortex engine to create a field of plasma that allows the craft to have ‘antigravity’ properties?

[BGAUGE]

The us unveiling a new death machine to slaughter people who can’t afford a bowl of rice

[Andy..]

Why spend years developing it in secret to just publicly reveal it 😂

[mikemullen]

The US having a plane that can reach into the heart of Russia undetected and bomb them? At this time, I am absolutely fine with that.

[nickclarkuk]

Isn’t this much slower than intercontinental missiles for delivering nukes? I can see this being used to deliver conventional weapons with precision

[bigdaz]

Can't take off and land if its Raining LOL