The B-21 Raider, a new bomber developed by Northrop Grumman, is being positioned as a more cost-effective successor to the B-2 Spirit. According to reports, the B-21 is not only smaller and stealthier but also cheaper. However, some factors could still increase its costs.
Comparing the costs of these two bombers presents challenges due to unknown total development costs for the B-21 and adjustments needed for inflation when assessing the B-2's expenses. The United States Air Force has stated that in 1998 dollars, the B-2 Spirit cost around $1.157 billion, which equates to approximately $2.25 billion today. Its development program amounted to about $45 billion in 1997 dollars or $92 billion currently.
In contrast, the average unit procurement cost for the B-21 Raider is estimated at $692 million in base year 2022 dollars or $749 million in today's terms. This makes it roughly one-third of the cost of its predecessor.