The U.S. Air Force is seeking industry input on potential alternatives for the B-52 Radar Modernization Program (RMP), despite maintaining that its current plan to integrate a new Raytheon active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar remains unchanged. The move comes as the program experiences delays and increased costs, raising questions about its long-term execution.
A recent contracting notice issued on March 19 reveals that the B-52 RMP Program Office is conducting market research into modified off-the-shelf multi-mode radars that could be integrated into the B-52 bomber fleet. While the Air Force insists that this notice is only exploratory, it signals a willingness to assess alternative solutions as technological advancements and operational needs evolve.
“The Air Force continually assesses a range of alternate solutions to requirements as technology matures and/or operational conditions may drive changes to requirements,” an Air Force spokesperson stated. The notice was reportedly intended to inform the Senior Acquisition Executive (SAE) of available radar options for rapid fielding, with no official change to the current RMP plan.
Boeing selected Raytheon (now RTX) in 2019 to provide a new AESA radar for the B-52 fleet. The first of these radars, designated as the AN/APQ-188 Bomber Modernized Radar System, was delivered to Boeing in 2023. This system, derived from the AN/APG-79 radar used on the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, aims to replace the outdated mechanically scanned AN/APQ-166 radar in all 76 B-52H bombers. The Air Force’s goal is to achieve initial operational capability (IOC) with the new radars by Fiscal Year (FY) 2027.
However, the program has encountered delays, with integration challenges pushing developmental and integrated flight testing to FY 2026. This shift means initial operational test and evaluation (IOT&E) may not occur until FY 2028. Additionally, the Pentagon’s Office of the Director of Test and Evaluation (DOT&E) has highlighted concerns about the aircraft radome design, which could impact radar performance.
The estimated cost of the B-52 RMP has increased significantly. In 2021, the program was expected to cost $2.343 billion, with $1.327 billion for development and $1.015 billion for procurement. By 2023, these figures had risen to $2.580 billion, raising the per-aircraft upgrade cost from $30.8 million to $33.9 million. A further revised cost estimate was expected in early 2024, though it remains unclear if it has been finalized.
A decision on whether to proceed with the integration of the AN/APQ-188 radar on the first 28 B-52Hs is anticipated in FY 2026, two years later than originally planned. The broader fleet integration may not commence until FY 2028, with exact timelines subject to technical and schedule risks.
While the Air Force maintains that the RMP is unchanged, the recent contracting notice has reignited discussions about potential alternative radars. The AN/APG-83 Scalable Agile Beam Radar (SABR) from Northrop Grumman, currently in use on F-16 fighters, has been considered in the past. Other candidates include Israel’s Elta EL/M-2032 and the Vixen series from Leonardo in Italy.
Any significant shift in radar selection at this stage would likely introduce further delays and cost increases. The Air Force must balance the potential benefits of an alternative radar against the risks associated with restarting portions of the integration process.
The B-52 RMP is part of a comprehensive modernization effort for the B-52 fleet, which will see the bombers redesignated as B-52Js. Another key initiative is the Commercial Engine Replacement Program (CERP), which aims to equip the bombers with new engines to improve fuel efficiency, reduce maintenance costs, and extend operational range. However, CERP has also faced delays, with operational flights using the new engines potentially not beginning until 2033.
Despite its insistence that the current RMP plan remains unchanged, the Air Force’s recent market research efforts suggest it is considering alternatives to the Raytheon AN/APQ-188. Given the rising costs and delayed timelines, exploring different radar options may be a strategic move to ensure the B-52 fleet remains a viable combat asset through the 2050s.
