U.S. Air Force launches competitive B-52 SATCOM upgrade to secure global command links and strengthen long-term strategic deterrence

The US Air Force has launched a competitive procurement for a satellite communications upgrade to the B-52 Stratofortress, intended to secure resilient global command and control links for the bomber in support of strategic deterrence missions. The upgrade is valued at approximately $17 million according to supporting reporting, and aims to replace or enhance existing SATCOM systems to ensure the B-52 can receive and transmit mission-critical communications in contested electromagnetic environments. The competitive process reflects USAF intent to modernize the bomber's connectivity in parallel with the ongoing B-52J engine replacement programme.