New TechnologiesDesign Flaws in B-21 Raider? China Claims Its Software Exposed Issues in U.S. $203B Stealth Bomber – Reality Check Posted on February 2, 2026 by Administrator The USAF has committed to buying at least 100 B-21 Raiders, with some recommendations pointing to a need of 145 to 200 aircraft to meet modern strategic needs against threats like China and Russia. While the overall program cost was pegged at US$203 billion in Fiscal Year 2019 dollars, just the development of the stealth bomber could cost over US$25.1 billion. As of now, Northrop Grumman has delivered two flight-test aircraft, and testing is underway at Edwards Air Force Base, California. However, a new research paper published in China claims that their newly developed aerospace simulation tool has uncovered several structural weaknesses in the B-21 Raider’s design, potentially limiting its aerodynamic stability.
