B-2 modernisation reaches next stage
Modernisation efforts on the B-2 Spirit began in 2007 to ensure it remains fully capable against evolving threats. (Photo: Northrop Grumman)
Newly integrated capabilities on the B-2 stealth bomber include missiles with extended range, a radar-aided targeting system and crypto communication capabilities.
Northrop Grumman and the USAF have announced the continuation of enhancement and modernisation of the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber fleet, with the new capabilities including long-range stealth missiles.
The B-2 successfully released a Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile – Extended Range (JASSM-ER) last December, Northrop Grumman revealed in a 25 August statement.
Other newly introduced capabilities to the aircraft are integrated crypto modernisation and a radar-aided targeting system (RATS). The former further improves the communication security of various HF transmissions.
RATS is an integral part of the B-2 nuclear modernisation as it will allow the aircraft to fully employ the B61 Mod 12 nuclear bomb in GPS-denied environments.
Modernisation efforts on the Spirit began in 2007 to ensure it remains fully capable against evolving threats.
The most recent system advancements are part of integrated functional capability P6.4, which the USAF certified last year.
According to Shephard Defence Insight, he USAF plans to retire the B-2 no later than 2032 due to operational and maintenance costs.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![SOF Week 2026: US Army to conduct trials with Mountain Horse’s containerised drone launcher]()
SOF Week 2026: US Army to conduct trials with Mountain Horse’s containerised drone launcher
The Mountain Horse Containerised Autonomous Drone Delivery System has been engineered for dispersed, forward UAV operations. It can store, protect, charge, launch and recover drones.
-
![British Army's Project Nyx progress reflects MoD investment in autonomous system]()
British Army's Project Nyx progress reflects MoD investment in autonomous system
The UK MoD said it would narrow down the competitors from four to two later in the year, with those selected going on to develop the prototype drone that will operate as loyal wingman to the British Army’s Apache AH-64E helicopters.
-
![UH-60M Black Hawk: export demand underpins $13 billion market opportunity]()
UH-60M Black Hawk: export demand underpins $13 billion market opportunity
The UH-60M is the latest variant of the UH-60, a workhorse multirole helicopter that continues to attract further orders from across the globe. With further modernisation upgrades underway, the platform is expected to remain in operation until 2050.
-
![SOF Week 2026: DroneShield moves to double its production capacity in the US]()
SOF Week 2026: DroneShield moves to double its production capacity in the US
The DroneShield US subsidiary is rapidly expanding its manufacturing footprint in the country and has expedited the process to double its domestic production capacity in at least four months.
