B-52 Bomber Radar Upgrade Poised for Flight Tests in 2026

Defense Feeds – The B-52 Bomber Radar Upgrade is at the forefront of the U.S. Air Force’s extensive modernization efforts, as the new AN/APQ-188 radar system prepares for flight testing and integration.

This long-awaited radar upgrade promises to bring significant improvements in detection, precision, and electronic warfare capabilities based on proven technologies from Navy and Air Force fighter jets.

Meanwhile, the program to replace the B-52’s decades-old engines faces further delays, underscoring the challenges of keeping this iconic bomber viable through mid-century.

Advanced Radar Boosts B-52’s Capabilities

The B-52’s modernization hinges on the new Bomber Modernized Radar System equipped with the AN/APQ-188 active electronically scanned array radar.

This radar is adapted from the U.S. Navy’s AN/APG-79 radar used on F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler aircraft, along with additional technology from the AN/APG-82 radar employed by Air Force F-15E and F-15EX fighters.

The Air Force’s strategy to leverage these mature, proven systems aims to control costs while dramatically enhancing the bomber’s long-range detection, ground moving target tracking, and synthetic aperture radar imaging.

Lieutenant General Andrew J. Gebara, Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategic Deterrence and Nuclear Integration, announced that the initial AN/APQ-188 radar unit will soon arrive at Edwards Air Force Base to commence flight testing.

This milestone signals a turning point after years of program delays, budget overruns, and technical challenges integrating the radar into the B-52’s nose section.

Though initially planned for earlier testing, the program was postponed to fiscal year 2026, with initial operational capability now targeted between 2028 and 2030.

The radar upgrade is part of the broader B-52J configuration effort, designed to extend the Stratofortress’s operational life at least until 2050.

With the new radar’s extended range and increased jamming resistance, the B-52 will better track ground and air targets while preserving critical electronic warfare functions.

Some air-to-air features of the naval radar variant may be excluded from the B-52’s system to keep costs in check, with options to add advanced functions later if funding allows.

Engine Replacement and Structural Overhaul Progress

Alongside its radar upgrade, the B-52 fleet is slated for re-engining under the Commercial Engine Replacement Program (CERP), which will replace the 60-year-old Pratt & Whitney TF33 engines with modern Rolls-Royce F130 military-derivative commercial engines.

These new engines promise up to 30% better fuel efficiency, improved reliability, and extended range beyond 14,000 kilometers.

However, this engine modernization has experienced delays due to technical issues such as engine inlet airflow problems discovered during testing, pushing initial operational capability to no earlier than 2033.

Full re-engining of the entire 76-aircraft fleet is unlikely before 2036. This delay adds pressure on the aging B-52H bombers, which continue to require extensive maintenance to remain in service.

Boeing is also handling the structural and digital revamp of the B-52. The program includes a complete internal rewiring and upgraded avionics suite with digital displays and improved crew interfaces.

Communications are modernized with systems like Link 16 and satellite navigation, alongside enhanced electronic defense with integration of the AN/ALQ-249(V)1 advanced jammer.

Together, these upgrades keep the B-52 relevant for long-range strike missions in modern threat environments.

Expanding B-52’s Arsenal with Hypersonic Weapons

While the Stratofortress still lacks stealth capabilities and carries a large radar cross-section, it functions primarily as a standoff strike platform designed to launch advanced ordnance from beyond enemy air defense zones.

Its payload capacity near 32 metric tons supports a versatile weapons mix including JDAM precision bombs, AGM-86 cruise missiles, nuclear arms, and soon hypersonic weapons.

The Air Force plans to arm the B-52J with the Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile (HACM) by 2027.

New pylons under development aim to increase the number of hypersonic missiles carried per sortie. The bomber may also evolve into a launch platform for unmanned collaborative combat aircraft enhancing future mission flexibility.

In combination with the stealthy B-21 Raider, the B-52J’s modernization ensures the U.S. maintains a powerful and adaptable strategic bomber force capable of sustained operation well into the mid-21st century—potentially surpassing a century of continuous service since the bomber’s original introduction.

In summary, the B-52’s radar modernization with the AN/APQ-188 AESA system marks a significant leap forward despite schedule slips and budget challenges.

The engine replacement and accompanying structural upgrades face a longer timeline but remain critical for sustaining the bomber fleet’s enduring presence in U.S. defense strategy and power projection.