In a significant overhaul to sustain its lethality into the latter half of the 21st century, the U.S. Air Force has embarked on a $48.6 billion modernization project for its B-52 Stratofortress fleet. Starting in the late 2020s, this unprecedented upgrade, which propels the B-52’s service life to potentially reach a centennial, involves a suite of advancements, prominently featuring the replacement of the bomber’s venerable engines with the modern Rolls-Royce F130.

The B-52 has been an integral part of America’s strategic bomber force since the 1950s. Its looming presence has been felt from the icy border of the Soviet Union to the deserts of the Middle East. Now, with the B-21 Raider on the horizon and the phased retirement of the B-1 and B-2 fleets, the Air Force is betting on a dynamic duo of the stealthy B-21 and a revitalized B-52, rebranded as the B-52J post-upgrades, to fulfill its strategic bombing requirements.

The Air Force anticipates the initial B-52J to begin ground and flight tests in late 2028, with the fleet-wide engine replacements continuing into the 2030s. However, the scope of the modernization extends beyond new powerplants. It includes advanced avionics, a modern radar, Long Range Standoff weapons compatibility, communication improvements, and a transition to digital displays.

According to Maj. Gen. Jason Armagost, commander of 8th Air Force, the B-21 and the B-52J will form a “very powerful, integrated force,” capable of a wide array of operations. The synergy between the stealth capabilities of the B-21 and the B-52’s standoff strike ability is expected to be a game-changer in the face of sophisticated air defenses.

However, concerns linger about the condition of the B-52’s underlying structure after decades of service. While the Air Force has assessed and found the structures capable of enduring the extended lifespan, Heather Penney, a retired F-16 pilot and senior resident fellow at the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies, warns of the potential for unforeseen issues—similar to those encountered during the C-5 Galaxy’s re-engining program.

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