The B-21 bomber is “progressing really well,” Global Strike Command chief Gen. Robin Rand told reporters at AWS17. AFGSC now has a contingent in the Pentagon at the Rapid Capabilities Office, which is running the program, he reported. And, so far, it looks like “in the mid-2020s, we’ll have the first one at one of our bases,” with initial operating capability “in the late ‘20s,” said Rand. He reiterated his “strong recommendation” that USAF buy “at least 100” of the bombers and “make sure we get to that [number] by the late ‘30s.” At such a rate, production would be around five per year. Rand said the Air Force has a “great relationship with Northrop Grumman,” which will design and build the bomber, and he gets regular updates on the program’s progress. The company recently started the work of funding and laying out expansion at its Palmdale, Calif., facility to build the bombers, although design work will reportedly be done in Melbourne, Fla.
US Space Command Should Always Be Led by a Guardian
Sept. 12, 2026
General Stephen Whiting took command of U.S. Space Command in January 2024, and if customary three-year tenures hold, his tour would end in January 2027. The question now before the President and Senate is who should follow him? Whoever they choose, it has to be a Guardian—and so should every successor…
