Pentagon unveils stealth bomber in California

PALMDALE, Calif. (NBC) - The Pentagon debuted its new stealth bomber in a tightly controlled ceremony held in Palmdale on Friday.

The B-21 Raider is the first new American bomber aircraft in more than 30 years, and most aspects of the development process are classified.

Overall, it is part of the Pentagon's efforts to modernize all three legs of its "nuclear triad."

Officials see the bomber as an answer to rising concerns over a future conflict with China.

The Raider's internal operating system is said to be "extremely advanced" compared to older bombers.

It will also feature coating that makes it harder to detect.

Six Raiders are in production and the Air Force plans to build 100 that can deploy nuclear weapons or conventional bombs.

China is on track to have 1,500 nuclear weapons by 2035.

Pentagon officials say it poses "the most consequential and systemic challenge to U.S. national security."