New US B-21 stealth bomber heightens strike gap with China – but missiles may help close it

America unveiled its first strategic bomber for three decades earlier this month as part of its efforts to address the strategic challenge posed by China

According to one analyst, the B-21 will have a huge impact in the Asia-Pacific region as the US no longer needs bases close to Taiwan to reach the island

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The B-21 Raider goes on display in California, but with many details remaining hidden in the shadows. Photo: Reuters

Published: 2:00pm, 11 Dec 2022Updated: 2:25pm, 11 Dec 2022

America’s newest stealth bomber, the B-21 Raider, will pose a challenge for China’s air defence systems but the country’s long-range missiles may help close the strike gap, according to analysts.

America unveiled its first strategic bomber in more than three decades at an air force base in California earlier this month, after years of secret development.

Seen as part of the answer to rising concerns over a possible future conflict with China, the bomber “is proof of the [defence] department’s long-term commitment to building advanced capabilities that will fortify America’s ability to deter aggression, today and into the future”, according to US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin.

The B-21, which has a similar appearance to its flat-winged predecessor the B-2 Spirit, appears to be smaller – judging from the size of its landing gear.

The US did not disclose specifications of the plane, and the dramatic fashion in which it was unveiled – backlit by blue light that kept many parts of the bomber hidden in shadow – avoided giving away too many clues about its specifications.

Malcolm Davis, a senior analyst from the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, said: “The B-21 is 21st century in every sense, with superior stealth, avionics, sensors and propulsion. It’s based around open architecture, so … it can be easily upgraded both in terms of software and hardware.