Report: US bomber fleet undergoes full modernization for nuclear and conventional strike power
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According to information published by the Congressional Research Service on June 18, 2025, the US Air Force is undertaking a complete modernization of its strategic bomber fleet to maintain air superiority amid rising threats from rival powers such as China and Russia. This modernization effort includes the upgrade of the B-52 Stratofortress and B-2 Spirit, while progressively integrating the new-generation stealth bomber, the B-21 Raider. The objective is to enhance nuclear deterrence capabilities while maintaining the ability to conduct long-range conventional strike missions globally.Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
A B-2 Spirit leads a formation of a B-1 Lancer, B-52 Stratofortress, A-10 Warthog, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-15 Eagle, and F-22 Raptor, assigned to Air Combat Command and Global Strike Command (Picture source: US DoD)
The B-52 Stratofortress is a long-range subsonic heavy bomber that entered service in 1955. Originally designed for nuclear deterrence missions during the Cold War, it remains one of the longest-serving platforms in the US inventory. Capable of carrying up to 70,000 pounds of ordnance, including cruise missiles and nuclear weapons, the B-52 is undergoing two major upgrade programs intended to extend its operational life through the 2040s. The first, the Commercial Engine Replacement Program (CERP), involves installing new Rolls-Royce F-130 engines to replace the aging TF33 engines from the 1960s, improving fuel efficiency and reducing maintenance demands. The second, the Radar Modernization Program (RMP), equips aircraft with a more advanced AESA radar system for tracking ground and aerial targets, with additional capabilities to detect hypersonic threats. These upgrades will also enable the integration of the new Long-Range Standoff (LRSO) nuclear cruise missile, replacing the current ALCM armed with the W80-1 warhead.
The B-2 Spirit is a long-range stealth bomber that entered service in 1997, designed to penetrate advanced air defense systems. Its flying wing shape, composite materials, and radar-absorbent coatings contribute to its low radar signature. It is certified to carry B61 and B83 nuclear gravity bombs as well as precision-guided conventional munitions, including the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator for use against hardened underground targets. In 2024, Northrop Grumman was awarded a contract of up to $7 billion through 2029 to modernize the entire fleet. This includes updates to stealth features, communication systems, engines, and cockpit displays, intended to sustain the B-2’s operational viability until its gradual replacement by the B-21.
The B-21 Raider is set to become the core of the US strategic strike force. Developed by Northrop Grumman, this next-generation stealth bomber is smaller than the B-2 and features an open systems architecture that allows for the integration of advanced technologies over time. Designed for deep penetration missions, it will be capable of deploying both gravity bombs and LRSO missiles. Its design includes advanced stealth characteristics and may eventually support uncrewed operations, although initial units will be piloted. The aircraft has already completed more than 200 sorties on a test platform and has entered the low-rate initial production phase, with a minimum order of 100 units. However, several US military officials and lawmakers are advocating for an expanded production run, possibly up to 145 or 200 units, to meet increasing operational demands in the Pacific and to offset wear on the current fleet.
The concurrent modernization of the B-52 and B-2 platforms, along with the introduction of the B-21 Raider, reflects a strategic approach aimed at equipping the United States with a bomber fleet capable of ensuring nuclear deterrence, global strike reach, and precision engagement in contested environments for the coming decades.
{loadposition bannertop}
{loadposition sidebarpub}
According to information published by the Congressional Research Service on June 18, 2025, the US Air Force is undertaking a complete modernization of its strategic bomber fleet to maintain air superiority amid rising threats from rival powers such as China and Russia. This modernization effort includes the upgrade of the B-52 Stratofortress and B-2 Spirit, while progressively integrating the new-generation stealth bomber, the B-21 Raider. The objective is to enhance nuclear deterrence capabilities while maintaining the ability to conduct long-range conventional strike missions globally.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
A B-2 Spirit leads a formation of a B-1 Lancer, B-52 Stratofortress, A-10 Warthog, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-15 Eagle, and F-22 Raptor, assigned to Air Combat Command and Global Strike Command (Picture source: US DoD)
The B-52 Stratofortress is a long-range subsonic heavy bomber that entered service in 1955. Originally designed for nuclear deterrence missions during the Cold War, it remains one of the longest-serving platforms in the US inventory. Capable of carrying up to 70,000 pounds of ordnance, including cruise missiles and nuclear weapons, the B-52 is undergoing two major upgrade programs intended to extend its operational life through the 2040s. The first, the Commercial Engine Replacement Program (CERP), involves installing new Rolls-Royce F-130 engines to replace the aging TF33 engines from the 1960s, improving fuel efficiency and reducing maintenance demands. The second, the Radar Modernization Program (RMP), equips aircraft with a more advanced AESA radar system for tracking ground and aerial targets, with additional capabilities to detect hypersonic threats. These upgrades will also enable the integration of the new Long-Range Standoff (LRSO) nuclear cruise missile, replacing the current ALCM armed with the W80-1 warhead.
The B-2 Spirit is a long-range stealth bomber that entered service in 1997, designed to penetrate advanced air defense systems. Its flying wing shape, composite materials, and radar-absorbent coatings contribute to its low radar signature. It is certified to carry B61 and B83 nuclear gravity bombs as well as precision-guided conventional munitions, including the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator for use against hardened underground targets. In 2024, Northrop Grumman was awarded a contract of up to $7 billion through 2029 to modernize the entire fleet. This includes updates to stealth features, communication systems, engines, and cockpit displays, intended to sustain the B-2’s operational viability until its gradual replacement by the B-21.
The B-21 Raider is set to become the core of the US strategic strike force. Developed by Northrop Grumman, this next-generation stealth bomber is smaller than the B-2 and features an open systems architecture that allows for the integration of advanced technologies over time. Designed for deep penetration missions, it will be capable of deploying both gravity bombs and LRSO missiles. Its design includes advanced stealth characteristics and may eventually support uncrewed operations, although initial units will be piloted. The aircraft has already completed more than 200 sorties on a test platform and has entered the low-rate initial production phase, with a minimum order of 100 units. However, several US military officials and lawmakers are advocating for an expanded production run, possibly up to 145 or 200 units, to meet increasing operational demands in the Pacific and to offset wear on the current fleet.
The concurrent modernization of the B-52 and B-2 platforms, along with the introduction of the B-21 Raider, reflects a strategic approach aimed at equipping the United States with a bomber fleet capable of ensuring nuclear deterrence, global strike reach, and precision engagement in contested environments for the coming decades.
