U.S. Air Force Awards Boeing $2 Billion Contract for B-52 Bomber Upgrades
The U.S. Air Force has awarded a $2 billion contract to Boeing Defense Systems for the modernization of its aging B-52H fleet. This contract, initiated in December, includes the replacement of engines and support systems for two B-52s, which will undergo new flight tests.
This work follows the critical design review of the Continuous Engine Replacement Program (CERP), aimed at extending the operational life of the Air Force's 76 B-52s, some of which are over 60 years old, until at least 2050. The modernization is part of a broader transformation strategy, transitioning the fleet to include upgraded B-52Js and at least 100 Northrop Grumman B-21 Raiders. Additionally, the Air Force plans to retire its aging B-2 Spirit and B-1 Lancer bombers in the 2030s due to increasing maintenance costs.
