The United States continues to hold a singular position in global military aviation: it is the only nation with operational stealth bombers, a capability that has been at the forefront of its strategic airpower since the late 20th century. The B-2 Spirit, often simply referred to as the “Spirit,” has been the backbone of the U.S. Air Force’s stealth bombing capability since it entered service in 1997. Almost two decades after its introduction, it remains the only stealth bomber in active service worldwide.
With global powers increasingly seeking to challenge U.S. air dominance, attention has turned to which countries are closest to fielding comparable capabilities. China, in particular, has invested heavily in developing its own stealth bomber, the Xi’an H-20, intended to rival both the B-2 and the forthcoming B-21 Raider. While Beijing has made significant progress in stealth fighter development, including the J-20 Mighty Dragon and the J-35, the H-20 represents a new phase in its ambition to achieve parity with the United States in strategic strike capabilities.
The B-2 Spirit was developed during the final years of the Cold War, designed to penetrate heavily defended airspace and deliver conventional or nuclear ordnance with unprecedented stealth. Its production was originally planned at 132 aircraft, but only 21 were ultimately built, reflecting the geopolitical shifts of the 1990s and 2000s when the perceived threat from a peer adversary diminished.
These 21 aircraft included early prototypes that were later upgraded to full combat capability. Two B-2s have been lost in accidents, leaving 19 in active service. Each aircraft has undergone extensive modernization over the years, and in 2024, Northrop Grumman was awarded a $7 billion contract to sustain and upgrade the fleet. This works out to roughly $350 million per aircraft, a figure that dwarfs the cost of newer fighters like the F-35A, which is approximately one-quarter of that per unit.
Despite the high costs, the B-2 remains a central pillar of U.S. strategic deterrence. It complements other bomber fleets, such as the non-stealthy B-1 Lancer and B-52 Stratofortress, which the Air Force plans to phase out gradually as newer stealth aircraft enter service. The B-2’s unique flying-wing design, combined with low-observable technology, allows it to operate in airspaces heavily defended by advanced surface-to-air missile systems—a capability unmatched by any other nation today.
The next-generation stealth bomber, the Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider, represents a step change in U.S. strategic capabilities. First flown in 2023 and now in low-rate initial production, the B-21 is expected to enter service in 2027. Unlike the B-2, the B-21 is designed to be smaller and more cost-effective, while retaining the ability to penetrate the most sophisticated air defenses in the world.
The B-21 may also perform a broader set of missions than traditional bombers. Northrop Grumman has described it as the “world’s first sixth-generation aircraft,” a designation usually reserved for fighters rather than bombers. This hints at advanced sensors, networking capabilities, and integration with unmanned systems, including “loyal wingman” drones that could accompany the Raider on missions, extending its reach and survivability.
Current estimates suggest that around three early production B-21s have been built. The U.S. Air Force’s eventual fleet is expected to reach approximately 100 aircraft, although final procurement numbers remain classified. Unlike conventional stealth, which aims for near-invisibility, these bombers rely on low-observability techniques, making detection difficult but not impossible. Advanced radar systems and electronic warfare can, under the right conditions, detect even these sophisticated platforms.
The United States operates a diverse array of stealthy aircraft beyond its bombers.
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Stealth Bombers in Service: B-2 Spirit
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Stealth Bombers in Development: B-21 Raider (at least three built)
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Retired Stealth Bombers/Fighters: F-117 Nighthawk (though some may still fly in limited roles)
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Stealth Fighter Jets: F-22 Raptor, F-35 Lightning II
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Other Notable Stealth Platforms: RQ-170 Sentinel, RQ-180
The F-117 Nighthawk, the first operational stealth aircraft, entered service in 1982. Though officially retired, some airframes may remain operational for testing or limited missions. Multi-role fighters like the F-35 bring additional precision strike capabilities, as demonstrated in Israel’s 2025 air campaign against Iran, which relied heavily on the F-35A’s stealth and versatility.
U.S. drones also play a critical role in low-visibility operations. The RQ-170 Sentinel has long been used for reconnaissance missions, while the RQ-180 remains highly classified. These drones, potentially armed in future, could complement manned stealth bombers, signaling a broader trend in optional manning and autonomous strike capabilities.
China’s stealth aircraft program is far less mature than that of the United States but is advancing rapidly. Its most notable project is the Xi’an H-20, a flying-wing strategic bomber intended to rival the B-2 and B-21. First publicly hinted at in 2016, the H-20’s development remains opaque, though occasional satellite imagery has revealed prototypes. If successfully deployed, it would represent a major leap in China’s long-range strike capability, particularly against regional adversaries and U.S. assets in the Indo-Pacific.
China has also produced several fifth-generation fighters, including the J-20 Mighty Dragon, which is in serial production, and the J-35, reportedly inspired by the F-35’s design. In 2024, China publicly unveiled a three-engined sixth-generation fighter prototype, possibly the Chengdu J-36, suggesting a long-term plan to field advanced stealth aircraft across multiple roles.
In addition to manned platforms, China is actively developing stealthy drones and loyal wingman systems, paralleling U.S. concepts. However, unlike the United States, Beijing has yet to field an operational stealth strategic bomber. Analysts caution that while China has made progress in fighter stealth and unmanned systems, the H-20 program is still in development and may not achieve operational status for several more years.
Russia’s approach to strategic bombers differs from that of the United States and China. It continues to operate large fleets of non-stealthy bombers, including the Tu-95, Tu-22, and Tu-160. The Tu-160 Blackjack, a supersonic variable-sweep bomber, has recently reentered limited production, though at a slow rate of one or two units per year.
The Tupolev PAK DA program aims to develop a next-generation stealth bomber, but progress has been slow and inconsistent. Budget constraints, technical challenges, and geopolitical pressures raise questions about Russia’s ability to field a stealth platform comparable to the B-2 or B-21.
Russia does maintain some stealth fighter capabilities through the Su-57 Felon, currently in limited service, and the S-70 Okhotnik-B (Hunter-B) drone, a large stealth UAV with potential strike roles. However, these platforms are not yet produced in sufficient numbers to constitute a credible strategic deterrent against U.S. or Chinese forces.
The distinction between bombers and fighter jets is beginning to blur. Advanced aircraft like the B-21 may perform multirole missions typically reserved for fighters, thanks to sophisticated sensors, networked avionics, and optionally manned operation. Similarly, large flying-wing drones could provide long-range strike capabilities without a human crew.
Other nations with fifth-generation fighters, such as the F-35 in multiple international air forces, possess limited bombing capabilities, but they are not substitutes for strategic stealth bombers. Stealth bombers carry larger payloads over greater distances, providing deterrent and strike options against fortified or peer adversary targets.
China and the United States are actively pursuing these multi-role and optionally manned capabilities, which may redefine the future of strategic bombing. Optional manning, in particular, allows bombers to operate in highly contested environments without risking pilots, marking a significant shift in airpower doctrine.
Looking ahead, the field of stealth strategic bombing is likely to evolve in several key ways:
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Sixth-Generation Capabilities: Platforms like the B-21 may integrate artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and advanced sensor fusion, enabling them to perform complex missions with minimal human intervention.
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Unmanned and Optionally Manned Operations: The ability to fly without a pilot, or with reduced crew, will increase survivability and operational flexibility.
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Blurring Lines Between Fighters and Bombers: As bombers gain multirole capabilities, traditional distinctions may fade. Fighters may carry larger ordnance, while bombers may provide air dominance support through networked systems.
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Global Competition: China’s H-20 and other emerging stealth projects could eventually challenge U.S. dominance in strategic strike, though they remain behind current operational capabilities. Russia continues to lag but may partially offset this with upgraded Tu-160s and advanced UAVs.
The U.S. maintains a significant lead in operational stealth bombers. The B-2 Spirit, soon to be joined by the B-21 Raider, remains unmatched in its combination of stealth, payload, and reach. The strategic implications of this lead are profound: the United States can strike heavily defended targets anywhere in the world with minimal detection risk, a capability no other country can currently match.
| Platform | Status | Operator | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B-2 Spirit | Active | United States | Strategic stealth bomber | 21 built, 19 remaining; upgraded continuously |
| B-21 Raider | In development | United States | Strategic stealth bomber | At least 3 built; expected ~100 in fleet; optionally manned |
| F-117 Nighthawk | Retired (some may fly) | United States | Stealth attack aircraft | Early stealth design; fighter designation but bomber-like role |
| J-20 Mighty Dragon | Active | China | Stealth fighter (limited strike) | Serial production ongoing; multirole |
| J-35 | Active | China | Stealth fighter | Drawing from F-35 design; multirole |
| Xi’an H-20 | Development | China | Strategic stealth bomber | Status unclear; prototypes observed |
| Su-57 Felon | Active | Russia | Stealth fighter | Low numbers; partially stealthy engines |
| S-70 Okhotnik-B | Development | Russia | Stealth UAV | Large drone with potential strike capabilities |
Currently, the United States remains the only country with operational stealth strategic bombers, a capability that gives it a unique advantage in global military operations. The B-2 Spirit continues to serve as a symbol of unmatched stealth technology, while the B-21 Raider promises to expand that advantage further with sixth-generation features, optional manning, and advanced networked warfare capabilities.
China is the most active challenger, developing the Xi’an H-20 alongside a growing fleet of fifth- and sixth-generation fighters and stealth drones. Russia, meanwhile, relies on older non-stealthy bombers and limited stealth fighters, with uncertain prospects for its PAK DA stealth bomber program.
The future of strategic bombing may see the lines between bombers, fighters, and drones increasingly blur. Optional manning, multi-role missions, and advanced autonomous systems will redefine the capabilities of stealth platforms. Yet for now, the United States remains unchallenged in operational stealth strategic bombers, with China moving cautiously to catch up. The next decade will likely determine whether Beijing can close this gap or if U.S. dominance in stealth bombing will remain secure.
