Suspected Northrop Grumman B-21 Spotted near Kansas Air Force Base; US$700 Million First Unit Due 2027
A video of a mysterious aircraft over McConnell Air Force Base in Kansas has triggered online speculation that it is a Northrop Grumman B-21 stealth bomber, priced at about US$700 million per unit with the first aircraft due to enter service in 2027. Witnesses said the aircraft's roar shook the ground as it passed. The base, however, primarily operates KC-46 tankers and sits outside the Edwards test corridor, prompting doubt over identification. The Pentagon has said it plans to buy at least 100 B-21s to complement 76 modernized B-52 Stratofortress bombers.
A video of a mysterious aircraft flying over McConnell Air Force Base in Kansas has drawn widespread attention online. The footage shows the aircraft passing over the US military installation with a loud roar, with witnesses reporting that the ground shook beneath them.
Speculation has centered on the Northrop Grumman B-21 stealth bomber, which carries a unit price of about US$700 million. The first aircraft is scheduled to enter service in 2027.
McConnell Air Force Base primarily hosts KC-46 Pegasus refueling tankers and sits outside the Edwards Air Force Base corridor where B-21 test flights are conducted. This geographic discrepancy has both intensified outside interest and led some observers to question the identification.
The Pentagon has stated its intention to procure at least 100 B-21s, which would operate alongside 76 modernized B-52 Stratofortress bombers.
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