Boeing kicks off US Air Force B-52 bomber radar upgrade
Boeing has begun low-rate initial production of the new radar system for operational testing and evaluation. (Photo: US DoD)
The radar upgrade is part of the wider B-52 modernisation programme that aims to keep the Stratofortress in the air until 2050 and beyond.
Boeing has received the first USAF B-52 Stratofortress to begin upgrades as part of the Radar Modernization Program (RMP).
The company said the programme will give the heavy bomber ‘fighter-like’ radar capabilities by increasing navigation accuracy, targeting and tracking.
The new radar system will also provide new, high-resolution mapping and will be able to engage multiple targets simultaneously.
‘The B-52 brings unique, critical capabilities to the US Air Force as they move to a future two-bomber platform strategy,’ said Jennifer Wong, director of bomber programmes at Boeing.
‘By modernising the B-52 radar, we’re increasing the relevancy of the aircraft for
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
![Attack drones versus CUAS – the future of warfare or just another trend?]()
Attack drones versus CUAS – the future of warfare or just another trend?
Demand signals for counter-drone technology are strong and the market is becoming crowded, but is this really the beginning of a new phase of warfare or will commentators be talking about something else 10 years from now?
-
![The 2020s: a decade of UAV spending growth]()
The 2020s: a decade of UAV spending growth
Total annual drone spending has increased nearly sixfold since the start of the decade, from $2.9 billion in 2020 to $16.3 billion in 2028, with Europe leading the rise.
-
![July drone digest: Sovereign production takes centre stage at Farnborough]()
July drone digest: Sovereign production takes centre stage at Farnborough
Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) 2026 revealed the growing scale of the UK’s uncrewed ambitions, with companies showcasing new CCA, autonomous wingmen and surveillance drones, while sovereign production emerged as a key factor for multiple programmes.
-
![July air forces review: Farnborough steals the headlines as programmes develop]()
July air forces review: Farnborough steals the headlines as programmes develop
The biannual Farnborough International Airshow 2026 was the backdrop in July for scores of deals, partnerships and announcements, including developments in the multinational next-generation Global Combat Air Programme and the UK’s $486 million trainer aircraft requirement.
