While the US Air Force’s upcoming B-21 “Raider” platform continues to gain media attention prior to its rollout, the service’s existing bombers are also achieving important milestones. The Northrop Grumman-designed B-2 “Spirit” was recently tested in a large-scale training event carried out by the US and other allied nations. As tensions between Washington and Beijing continue to ramp up, the bomber’s ability to operate in contested environments is being prioritized by the service. As part of the Bamboo Eagle 25-1 tests which occurred in February, the Spirit’s capacity to penetrate heavily defended airspace and carry out high-value strikes was put to the test.

“Bamboo Eagle tested our ability to integrate the tactical effects we trained to in Red Flag from dispersed forces and under distributed command and control,” said Royal Air Force Gp. Capt. Guy Lefroy, UK detachment........

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