The U.S. Air Force has confirmed that a B-21 Raider flight test aircraft conducted a “close flight” with a KC-135 Stratotanker on Tuesday as part of the bomber’s ongoing test campaign.
Aerial photographers spotted the incident over the Mojave Desert near Edwards Air Force Base in California during a mission that lasted about 5.5 hours and was a first step in demonstrating the capabilities necessary for the B-21’s long-range penetrating strike role, according to observer reports and online flight tracking.
The Air Force statement did not mention aerial refueling or fuel delivery. Published images show the stealth bombers positioned behind tankers in a typical refueling preparation formation, but ground observations alone cannot confirm the physical connection or fuel offloading.
“We can confirm that a B-21 Raider completed a close-quarters test campaign with a KC-135 Stratotanker,” an Air Force spokesperson said in a statement. “This flight was part of an ongoing rigorous test campaign designed to validate the B-21’s capabilities and readiness. To maintain enhanced safety measures, we will not provide further details on specific test sites. The B-21 program will continue to provide the U.S. Air Force with survivable, long-range penetrating strike capabilities.”
Aerial refueling remains an important milestone for the Northrop Grumman-built B-21 Raider, allowing it to extend endurance in a contested environment without relying on forward bases.
The program continues flight testing at Edwards, building on previous achievements including the delivery of a second aircraft to the base in September 2025, moving into mission systems and weapons integration testing.
The first operational B-21s are still expected to arrive at Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, in 2027 to support initial operational capability in the late 2020s.