United States Air Force General Dale White has highlighted three critical military programs that the nation would depend on during a major crisis, calling them the capabilities the United States would turn to in its "darkest hour." These programs are the B-21 Raider stealth bomber, the Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) system, and the F-47 next-generation fighter aircraft.
Speaking to members of the Raider Combined Test Force at Edwards Air Force Base on June 8, General White stated, "There are three programs the future of our nation depends upon: Sentinel, B-21 and F-47." He emphasized that these are the capabilities the nation will rely on in its most challenging times.
B-21 Raider Program Milestone
White's remarks coincided with a significant milestone in the B-21 Raider program. An operational test pilot recently flew the stealth bomber alongside a developmental test pilot, a step aimed at accelerating the aircraft's path to operational service. The Air Force noted that integrating operational and developmental testing early represents a major shift from traditional methods and is expected to speed up the bomber's entry into service.
General White praised the approach, saying, "Integrating operational and developmental test in the B-21 program exemplifies the acquisition culture we're instilling throughout the force." He described it as a smarter and faster mindset that leverages modern tools with a proper sense of urgency, challenging outdated processes to create a more agile acquisition system. He added, "In the case of the Raider, it means we're now that much closer to placing asymmetric lethality into the hands of the warfighter."
The Air Force reported that the arrival of a second B-21 aircraft at Edwards Air Force Base last summer allowed the test force to move beyond initial flight performance assessments and begin mission systems and weapons integration testing.
B-21 Raider: Sixth-Generation Stealth Bomber
Developed by Northrop Grumman, the B-21 Raider is the US Air Force's sixth-generation stealth bomber, designed for long-range conventional and nuclear strike missions in heavily contested environments. It is expected to gradually replace the B-1 Lancer and B-2 Spirit bombers and serve as the air-based leg of the United States' nuclear triad. The aircraft features advanced stealth technology, an open-systems architecture, and the ability to carry a wide range of conventional and nuclear weapons. The Air Force plans to acquire at least 100 B-21 bombers, which will form the backbone of the future US bomber fleet alongside the B-52 Stratofortress.
Sentinel ICBM Program
The Sentinel program, another capability highlighted by White, is the Air Force's next-generation ICBM system that will replace the Minuteman III missile, which has been in service for over 50 years. The program includes a new missile, upgraded command, control, and communications systems, and extensive infrastructure modernization across five US states. Designed to remain operational through 2075, Sentinel will form the land-based leg of America's nuclear triad.
F-47 Next-Generation Fighter
White also emphasized the F-47, the Air Force's sixth-generation air superiority fighter being developed under the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program. Built by Boeing, the aircraft is intended to replace the F-22 Raptor and operate alongside Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) drones in highly contested environments. According to the Air Force, the F-47 will feature a combat radius exceeding 1,000 nautical miles, speeds above Mach 2, and enhanced stealth capabilities. The service plans to procure more than 185 aircraft to maintain air superiority against emerging threats.
Call for Urgency and Efficiency
General White used the occasion to stress the need for faster execution of key defense programs while warning against excessive bureaucracy. He said his focus for the B-21 program was to ensure adequate resources and prevent administrative procedures from slowing testing efforts. "I'm not going to be reckless and say go faster," he said, before asking the testing team, "How can I clear the way?"
He urged personnel to demonstrate "urgency with purpose, urgency with meaning" and to challenge outdated processes when necessary. "I will do the same," he added. "And we at the Pentagon will operate with the same urgency we're asking of you."
When asked what concerned him most, General White said, "I worry that we don't embrace urgency. I worry that talk is cheap. I worry about the courage to challenge leaders."
Confidence in Personnel
General White also praised the personnel working on the program and expressed confidence in their mission. "I would not want to place this mission in the hands of anyone else," he said, adding, "You're the very best this nation has to offer, and when we unleash you with urgency, founded upon meaning and purpose, then no adversary stands a chance."
