As first test flights have been conducted for the state-of-the-art bomber, Chinese researchers may have found two vulnerabilities that would render the aircraft ineffective in a possible conflict.
The B-21 Raider is a cutting-edge bomber aircraft that is set to be in service with the US Air Force by 2027. The US Air Force currently owns two of these bombers, with plans for around a hundred more in the coming years.
The aircraft is designed to replace the existing B-2 and B-1 bombers, which have been in service since the 1990s and 1970s, respectively. Unveiled in 2022, the B-21 is built to be stealthy, capable of carrying conventional and nuclear weapons, and adaptable to future technological advancements.
However, despite its capabilities, the costly aircraft, priced at around $700 to $800 million, is said to have vulnerabilities, particularly two, according to Chinese researchers.
Detectable by certain radars
According to defense analyst Harry J. Kazianis, the Chinese researchers have identified flaws in the B-21’s design. Firstly, the bomber’s radar signature could make it more visible to next-generation radars.
The second vulnerability pertains to the B-21’s thermal signature. The bomber could simply be detected by the latest infrared systems, making stealth impossible for future B-21 pilots.
The lack of B-21, another issue?
Apart from the technical vulnerabilities, which are currently speculative, the US military might face an issue regarding the number of aircraft, as reported by BFMTV.
With only two B-21 bombers produced and tested so far, the US Air Force still heavily relies on its bombers from the last century. While awaiting more B-21s in action, American troops are also anticipating the arrival of the future F-47, a state-of-the-art fighter aircraft still under development.
In the event of an armed conflict with China, experts believe that 200 B-21s and over 300 F-47s will be necessary for success.
