[EN IMAGES] New $700 million strategic bomber unveiled by US

The Americans sent a message to the enemy forces. They released the B-21 to great fanfare RiderTheir new bomber is designed to counter potential attacks by China and Russia.

Launched on Friday, the B-21 is set to become a key part of the US “nuclear triad”, which consists of missiles and bombs that can be launched from land, sea or air.

“We needed a new bomber for the 21st century that would one day allow us to counter the threats we face from China and Russia,” said US Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James. New York Post.

The aircraft, from manufacturer Northrop Grumman, is unmanned and capable of long-range nuclear strikes. In addition, the materials used make RiderA device that is extremely difficult to detect by foreign air defense systems.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said it was not just another plane. It is the epitome of America’s determination to protect the republic we all love. »

The new aircraft “has a range unmatched by any other long-range bomber,” said Mr. Austin added.

China and Russia too

Although America pulled out all the stops to impress the gallery during the presentation in Palmdale, California, expert Norman Lester doubts the impact of the “smoke show” on other forces. “We know the Russians and the Chinese are working on similar projects,” he says.

According to international media, China may very soon release its own device capable of shooting down nuclear missiles. “The next-generation intercontinental stealth bomber, the Xian H-20 looks a lot like the B-21. The Russians have a similar plan,” Normand Lester explains.

In a report released this week, the Pentagon said China is on track to have 1,500 nuclear weapons by 2035.

$700 million per unit

The costs of this US bomber are estimated at nearly US$700 million per unit and the Pentagon plans to buy at least 100 copies. The B-21 should make its first flight in 2023. The new model should gradually replace the B-1 and B-2 bombers, whose first takeoffs date back to the Cold War.

surname, RiderInspired by the raid led by Colonel James Doolittle to bomb Tokyo in 1942 in retaliation for the attack on Pearl Harbor.

-with AFP