B-21 completes CDR

The B-21 bomber has completed its critical design review, the Air Force confirmed this week.

During a Dec. 1 roundtable with reporters at the Reagan National Defense Forum in Simi Valley, CA, Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson said the program, which is managed out of the rapid capabilities office, is progressing well and completed its most recent review in late November. Wilson's office confirmed this week she was referring to the CDR.

The Air Force has said it will buy at least 100 B-21s and expects to begin fielding the bomber in the mid-2020s. Wilson announced in September the service expects to grow from nine to 14 bomber squadrons between fiscal years 2025 and 2030, which could drive a need for more B-21s.