US reveals $700 million next-gen stealth bomber: 'Will last for decades'

The U.S. military this week unveiled the long-awaited B-21 bomber, a stealth craft meant for intensive long-range missions that will replace the decades-old bomber currently in service.

The B-21's "edge" will "last for decades," Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said at the unveiling event at the Northrop Grumman facility in Palmdale, Calif. 

The U.S. Air Force said in a tweet that the B-21 will be "a dual-capable, penetrating-strike stealth bomber capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear munitions." 

"The B-21 will form the backbone of the future Air Force bomber force consisting of B-21s and B-52s," the Air Force noted.

The craft is expected to enter service by 2027 at the latest.