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TechUS Air Force: B-21 Raider bomber to operate with two-pilot crew
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The U.S. Air Force announced on July 10, 2026, that its new B-21 Raider long-range strike bomber will operate with a two-pilot crew, matching the B-2 Spirit's configuration and replacing the four-person crew of the B-1B Lancer. The service is creating a pilot transition program for weapons system officers (WSOs) and combat systems officers (CSOs) to retain tactical experience. The B-21 first flew in 2023, and production is being accelerated by 25% with a target of seven aircraft per year. Deliveries began in 2025, and the first operational bomber is scheduled to arrive at Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, in 2027. The program aims to modernize the U.S. nuclear triad amid growing threats from China.
Source report
The U.S. Air Force announced Thursday that its B-21 Raider will operate with a two-pilot crew.
According to the service's release, the two-pilot configuration was determined to best suit the country's newest long-range strike bomber's "mission profile."
The Air Force is also establishing a pilot transition program for select weapons system officers (WSOs) and combat systems officers (CSOs). These officers will be chosen to attend the program, with a follow-on assignment to the B-21.
"To maximize the lethality and survivability of the Raider, it is imperative to retain the deep tactical and combat experience currently residing within the WSO and CSO communities," the statement said.
Eligible airmen will receive relevant information through command channels when it becomes available, per the release.
"This deliberate talent management strategy secures the future of global strike capabilities, ensuring the Air Force remains postured to execute extended-duration, long-range strike missions in highly contested environments," the release stated.
Development and Production
The service's first B-21 took flight in 2023 in Palmdale, California, where Northrop Grumman has been developing and testing the aircraft. The Air Force plans to build at least 100 B-21s in variants with and without pilots.
The Raider is the nation's first new bomber aircraft in more than 30 years. It is part of the Pentagon's effort to modernize its nuclear triad amid growing threats, including China's military modernization.
In February, Northrop Grumman and the Air Force announced they were accelerating the annual production capacity by 25%. Deliveries for the Raider began in 2025, a year following its contract award.
Timeline and Deployment
- First operational B-21: Scheduled to arrive at Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, in 2027
- Production increase: To begin gradually, with a full production rate of seven aircraft per year
Replacement and Crew Comparison
The B-21 Raider is intended to replace the aging B-1B Lancer and B-2 Spirit fleets, which have been in service since 1986 and 1997, respectively.
- B-1B Lancer: Requires a crew of four
- B-2 Spirit: Requires a crew of two (same as the B-21)
About the author: Cristina Stassis is a reporter covering the defense industry, national security, and military/veteran affairs. She previously worked as an editorial fellow for Defense News in 2024.
Source
Military TimesWestern
Part of this Story
U.S. Air Force Begins B-21 Raider Operational Prep at Ellsworth AFB