US gives glimpse of new B-21 bomber amid China, Russia ‘threats’
- Air Force releases artist rendering of the warplane, saying it is designed to be ‘effective as the threat environment evolves’
- Its development could have been accelerated by the PLA’s H-20 project, according to defence analyst
While the artist rendering does not give away much of the design, the air force said in a statement on Tuesday that it would be part of America’s “nuclear triad” of options to strike by air, ground or submarine.
“The built-in feature of open systems architecture on the B-21 makes the bomber effective as the threat environment evolves,” Randall Walden, director of the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office, said in the statement. “This aircraft design approach sets the nation on the right path to ensuring America’s enduring air power capability.”
The bomber’s “open systems architecture” will allow it to engage with other advanced aircraft platforms and weapon systems that are designed for modern warfare, according to military experts.
Ben Ho, an air power analyst at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore, said the evolving “threat environment” appeared to be about China and Russia.
“[Walden] was arguably referring to the increasing threat posed by near-peer competitors China and Russia as they not only modernise their nuclear arsenals, but also their air defences,” Ho said.