Northrop Grumman has successfully tested its new LN-120G stellar navigation system on USAF’s RC-135 Rivet Joint, electronics intelligence aircraft. The Air Force has contracted for 30 of these new systems, which should enable the RC-135 mission crews to accurately pinpoint hostile targets and transmit the data to E-8 Joint STARS ground radar aircraft, and ultimately, directly to fighter aircraft. Northrop expects to deliver the first units this year.
The rate of building B-21 bombers would speed up if the fiscal 2026 defense budget passes. But it remains unclear how much capacity would be added, and whether the Air Force would simply build the bombers faster, or buy more.