The United States Air Force has bolstered the future of its stealth fleet by awarding a $7 billion contract to Northrop Grumman Systems Corp. for the modernization and sustainment of the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber through 2029.
This contract signifies a continued reliance on the iconic bomber as the country transitions to its next-generation B-21 Raider.
The B-2, a strategic linchpin of the U.S. military’s long-range strike capabilities, has received funding for “B-2 enhancements, sustainment, logistics elements including sustaining engineering, software maintenance, and support equipment,” according to the Department of Defense.
The deal also covers depot maintenance and interim contractor support, with work to be carried out at multiple Air Force Bases across the United States.
Jerry McBrearty, the acting B-2 program manager at Northrop Grumman, emphasized the importance of the contract, stating, “In partnership with the Air Force, Northrop Grumman is ensuring the B-2 Spirit fleet remains viable and mission-ready.
The Flexible Acquisition Sustainment Team III contract award is a reflection of our commitment to strengthening the B-2’s sustainment as we continue to modernize the aircraft to meet the needs of the U.S. Air Force.”
Despite its small fleet of only 20 aircraft, the B-2 has maintained its status as a critical asset due to its advanced stealth technology, which enables it to penetrate hostile airspace undetected.
With the Air Force planning to introduce the newer B-21 Raider, the B-2’s life extension reflects strategic prudence given the uncertainty surrounding new technology deployments.
William LaPlante, undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment, remarked in February that the production rate for the B-21 is “deliberately kept very low to protect the program from budget cutters.”
The B-21 Raider, expected to replace the B-2 and Boeing B-1 Lancer, has entered low-rate initial production, with the first aircraft taking flight last fall.
Air Force officials have cautiously maintained optimism about the B-21 program, with Secretary Frank Kendall warning Congress that any unforeseen issues could necessitate extending the B-2’s service life.
Mark Gunzinger, director of future concepts and capability assessments for the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies, provided his insight, “I would be surprised if the B-2 [fleet] is retired in 2029.” He highlighted the current shortfall in the number of available bombers, indicating that the Air Force needs “all the bomber tails it can get right now and for the foreseeable future.”
Looking ahead, procurement and R&D funding for the B-2 will focus on maintaining and enhancing the aircraft’s stealth capabilities and other critical systems.
This includes improvements aimed at reducing maintenance hours and enhancing aircraft availability, as well as advancements in communications, engines, and displays.
The substantial investment in the B-2’s sustainment program demonstrates a strategic approach to maintaining a robust long-range strike capability while the Air Force transitions to its future bomber fleet. With the B-21 Raider’s production and delivery timelines still unfolding, the upgraded B-2s will continue to play a pivotal role in U.S. military operations for the remainder of this decade and potentially beyond.