GAO flags billions in overruns and delays for B-52 bomber upgrades

A GAO review found that most of the 13 modernization projects for the Air Force’s B-52 fleet are suffering cost growth, schedule slips or performance problems, with the engine replacement alone adding about $3 billion since 2023.

A recent GAO report highlighted that the Air Force’s effort to modernize its 70-year-old B-52 bombers is running billions over budget and behind schedule. Out of 13 planned improvements, ten are plagued by cost overruns, delayed timelines or performance shortfalls, with the Commercial Engine Replacement Program alone costing about $3 billion more than originally projected and slipping more than 15 months past its target date.

The program also aims to install new radar, communications, training devices and advanced target-pod displays, as well as adapt the aircraft to carry the AGM-181 Long-Range Standoff missile. The watchdog noted that tackling many upgrades concurrently creates hardware conflicts across programs, urging the Air Force to delay the engine production decision until a thorough risk analysis is completed. Despite these setbacks, officials continue to stress the upgrades’ importance for strategic deterrence, citing recent B-52 over-land missions in the Iran conflict. The findings add to growing concerns about the aging U.S. air fleet and its ability to meet future operational demands.