Air Force unveils photos of B-21 Raider in flight as nuclear stealth bomber moves closer to deployment

The U.S. military has released photos of the B-21 Raider in flight as the futuristic warplane moves closer to becoming the nation's next nuclear stealth bomber.

The B-21 Raider began flight testing at Edwards Air Force Base in California, the Air Force said in a statement, as the plane "continues to make progress toward becoming the backbone of the U.S. Air Force bomber fleet."

One photograph shows the bomber soaring above the clouds while another image shows the aircraft just above the runway.