The US Air Force's nuclear-capable next-generation stealth bomber, built by Northrop Grumman, accelerating toward 2027 fielding as the most on-schedule leg of US nuclear modernization.
The US Air Force's replacement for the 50-year-old Minuteman III ICBM, awarded to Northrop Grumman in 2020 and now 81% over budget at US$141 billion.
An operational test pilot flew the stealth bomber in June 2026 as the Air Force accelerates toward 2027 fielding at Ellsworth
America's $141B Minuteman replacement targets a first test launch in 2027, years late, with new-build silos driving the overrun