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// DOSSIER — air-force-awards-b52-radar-modernization-efforts
Air Force Awards $766 Million for B-52 Radar Modernization Efforts
REL_TIME: 26 Aug 2026 21:42Z · LANG: EN
The U.S. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center awarded sole-source contracts totaling $766 million to Raytheon and Boeing to modernize the aging B-52 Stratofortress fleet. Raytheon received an IDIQ contract with a $603 million ceiling to produce and maintain new AN/APQ-188 radars, while Boeing was awarded a $162.97 million order for bomb rack modernization system kits. The upgrades aim to extend the bomber's service life through mid-century, despite significant cost increases, schedule delays, and the fatal crash of a flight-test aircraft in June 2026.
// Background
The B-52 Stratofortress is an Eisenhower-era bomber undergoing 13 separate modernization initiatives totaling approximately $21 billion to remain operational through 2050. Key initiatives include swapping out the aircraft's engines and updating its radar systems. The Radar Modernization Program previously triggered a Nunn-McCurdy breach due to a budget growth of 30 percent, pushing total costs above $2.9 billion. A separate Air Force initiative in San Antonio is currently addressing infrastructure problems, relocating over 5,000 trainees due to unsafe housing conditions.
// Key Developments
- Raytheon was awarded a potential $603 million IDIQ contract running through August 20, 2031, to replace old AN/APQ-166 radars with AN/APQ-188 systems.
- Boeing secured a $162.97 million order for B-52 bomb rack modernization kits, set for completion by December 20, 2028.
- The B-52 Radar Modernization Program (RMP) operational date has been delayed three-and-a-half years to the third quarter of fiscal 2030 following budget increases over $2.9 billion.
- In June 2026, one of two RMP flight test aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from Edwards Air Force Base, killing all eight crew members.
- The Air Force removed select radar performance requirements to accelerate deployment, leading GAO to report that the service will pay more for reduced capability.
// Timeline
-
Boeing delivers the first B-52 Radar Modernization Program test aircraft equipped with the AN/APQ-188 radar.
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An RMP test aircraft crashes near Edwards Air Force Base, resulting in eight fatalities.
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Col. Spencer Turner announces that officials are prioritizing the crash investigation and evaluating schedule adjustments.
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Air Force Life Cycle Management Center awards $766 million in combined sole-source contracts to Raytheon and Boeing.
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Scheduled completion date for Boeing's bomb rack modernization kit delivery order.
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Revised target date for the B-52 Radar Modernization Program to become fully operational.
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Completion date for Raytheon's $603 million B-52 radar production and sustainment IDIQ contract.
// Perspectives
[U.S. Air Force]
Committed to maintaining the B-52 fleet through mid-century by issuing $766 million in modernization awards while attempting to control costs and accelerate timelines.
[Government Accountability Office (GAO)]
Critical of the RMP's 30 percent budget growth, schedule delays, and performance compromises that result in paying higher costs for reduced capabilities.
[Raytheon (RTX)]
Contracted to deliver AN/APQ-188 radar production and sustainment across multiple U.S. facilities through August 2031.
[Boeing]
Leading overall B-52 modernization efforts, including delivery of bomb rack kits and integration of test aircraft.
// Quotes
“in this case, after contract award, the Air Force will receive less capability while paying more for the program.”
“look at our schedule and adjust as necessary.”
“Our people deserve quality living quarters that are clean, safe and comfortable, delivered at speed, so they can focus on their work...”
