--- title: "B-21 Raider Photographed Aerial Refueling For The First Time" date: "2026-03-11" modified: "2026-03-11" authors: - name: "Tyler Rogoway" job_title: "Editor-in-Chief" link: "https://www.twz.com/authors/tyler-rogoway.md" url: "https://www.twz.com/air/b-21-raider-photographed-aerial-refueling-for-the-first-time" categories: - "Air" - "B-21" - "Bombers" - "KC-135" - "Stealth" - "Tankers" --- # B-21 Raider Photographed Aerial Refueling For The First Time ![KC-135 refueling B-21 over the Mojave Desert.]() *Courtesy of US Air Force (air-to-air) / Ian Recchio- @Lookunderocks* We are getting our first look at a [B-21 Raider]() refueling in mid air. With [two B-21s undergoing flight testing](), the program is said to be moving fast and the Pentagon is [now growing production in order to get]() more Raiders faster. As it sits now, the [USAF is targeting 2027]() for its entry into service. A number of images hit the net today showing the B-21 refueling behind a KC-135R. In this case, it is a 'Ghost Tanker' stationed at Edwards AFB that works directly with the flight test community to provide aerial refueling support. One image was posted by X [user @minor\_triad](), showing the KC-135R plugged into the B-21 over the Mojave Desert. The B-21 appears to be the first aircraft to fly as it features an air-data boom jutting out from its nose. https://twitter.com/minor_triad/status/2031458425910211068?s=20 Another set of photos comes to us from photographer Ian Recchio, who goes by the handle [@Lookunderocks]() on Instagram. It shows the B-21 behind the KC-135R. It also shows a business jet-like aircraft passing underneath the two. This appears to be the DC-9 registered to Raytheon as N879AD. It's a testbed aircraft with a modular nose for mounting sensors that supports flight test programs. You can read about this aircraft [here](). It would make sense that it is supporting the B-21 program. Airborne signature management is[ a critical part of America's low-observable testing]() and developmental ecosystem and this aircraft can accommodate different radars in its nose. ![]() Another image shows the B-21 being chased by an F-16, which is customary for test flights. ![]() ![]() [@JarodMHamilton]() also captured a video of the refueling: https://twitter.com/JarodMHamilton/status/2031501739019612363?s=20 The images also give us a good comparison of the size of the B-21 compared to the KC-135R, which has a wingspan of around 131 feet. As we have said nearly since the B-21 was unveiled, estimates as to its wingspan on the internet are *significantly* distorted, with some putting it at a remarkably small size, around 125 feet. Our estimates stand that it is significantly larger, around 145-155 feet. The larger B-2 has a wingspan of 172 feet. https://twitter.com/Aviation_Intel/status/1959842379470696814?s=20 Regardless, it's great to see the Raider moving forward and aerial refueling will only increase its time aloft for prolonged testing, which is [critical for its extremely long-range mission set](). It's also probable that the B-21 has been refueling via tanker for some time, but this is the first time it is caught on camera. ![The B-21 Raider program is on track and continues flight testing at Northrop Grumman’s manufacturing facility on Edwards Air Force Base, California. The B-21 will have an open architecture to integrate new technologies and respond to future threats across the spectrum of operations. The B-21 Long Range Strike Family of Systems will greatly enhance mission effectiveness and Joint interoperability in advanced threat environments, strengthening U.S. deterrence and strategic advantage. (U.S. Air Force photo)]() *(U.S. Air Force photo)* *Author's note: Updated with identity of DC-9 test aircraft.* *Contact the author: Tyler@twz.com* ## Author Tyler’s passion is the study of military technology, strategy, as well as foreign policy, and he has fostered a dominant voice on those topics in the defense and national security space. Tyler was the creator of the hugely popular defense site *Foxtrot Alpha* before developing *TWZ*, which he continues to lead as the Editor-In-Chief to this day. ### Author social links [Twitter]()