Single Pilot B-21 Raider Operations Hint At Advanced AI Capabilities
Just how automated the B-21 is remains unclear, but officials pushing to fly it with just one pilot points to a breakthrough operational capability.
Joseph Trevithick, Tyler Rogoway
Published Nov 4, 2025 8:07 PM EST
139
B-21 with a single pilot on board.
USAF
The TWZ Newsletter
Weekly insights and analysis on the latest developments in military technology, strategy, and foreign policy.
Email address
Enter your email
Sign Up
Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) is recommending that the default crew for its future B-21 Raider stealth bombers include just one pilot. The other seat in the two-person cockpit would go to a weapon systems officer (WSO), or ‘wizzo,’ rather than a co-pilot. The prospect of single-pilot sorties for B-21s, something that on its face would raise safety concerns, strongly points to a high level of automation and AI-infused autonomy being present in the design now, which might one day open the door to fully uncrewed operations.
Having the B-21 designed from the start, well over a decade ago, to provide cutting edge automation, such as an AI agent as a ‘virtual co-pilot,’ for instance, would be a key groundbreaking feature. It would also support the cryptic claims the Air Force has made about how revolutionary the aircraft is, especially when it comes to what lies beneath its skin.
Aviation Week was first to report on the single-pilot B-21 crew recommendation, which AFGSC head Gen. Thomas Bussiere submitted in a memo to his superiors earlier this year. Last month, Bussiere announced his intention to retire “for personal and family reasons.” AFGSC is expected to get a new commander today. To date, the Air Force has received two pre-production B-21s, both of which are currently at Edwards Air Force Base in California, supporting ongoing development and test work.
https://www.twz.com/air/single-pilot-b-21-raider-stealth-bomber-operations-hint-at-advanced-ai-capabilities
