U.S. Air Force says over $20 billion B-52J re-engining program cleared for development, new AESA radar authorized for production

The U.S. Air Force approved the B-52J Commercial Engine Replacement Program, valued above $20 billion, to enter engineering and manufacturing development and authorized the bomber's new AESA radar for low-rate initial production. Rolls-Royce F130 engines are entering assembly, with flight-test deliveries scheduled to begin in April 2027, while additional aircraft are being prepared for propulsion and radar trials. The paired upgrades are central to keeping the B-52 operational into the 2050s, but both programmes still require extensive integration and flight testing before fleet-wide fielding.