The US is spending $1.7 billion to upgrade its fleet of B-1B and B-2 bombers.
The U.S. Air Force plans to keep the B-1B Lancer bomber operational until at least 2037 and the B-2 Spirit even longer thanks to a large-scale modernization budget.
The U.S. Air Force is implementing a plan to invest nearly $1.7 billion to modernize its B-1B Lancer and B-2 Spirit strategic bombers. This budget, outlined in a U.S. Department of Defense document for the period 2027-2031, aims to extend the service life of these aircraft by at least another decade.
B-1B Lancer: Maintaining conventional firepower.
The B-1B Lancer supersonic bomber fleet, which entered service in the mid-1980s, will receive a $342 million upgrade package. This investment will help maintain the fleet's combat readiness until at least 2037. After the modernization is complete, the total service life of this aircraft will exceed 50 years.
Although originally designed to carry nuclear weapons, the B-1B now plays a key role in the deployment of conventional weapons. With a payload of up to 34,000 kg, it is a leading aircraft in carrying both guided and unguided bombs among U.S. strategic bombers. Currently, the U.S. Air Force operates 44 B-1Bs.
B-2 Spirit: Prioritizing stealth and penetration capabilities.
The US Air Force plans to spend $1.35 billion on upgrades for its B-2 Spirit fleet. As the world's first long-range stealth bomber with a distinctive "flying wing" design, the B-2 is capable of penetrating even the most advanced air defense systems. Currently, 19 of the 21 ever produced are in active service.
Notably, the B-2 is the only aircraft capable of carrying the 13-ton GBU-57 MOP bunker-busting bomb, making it an indispensable tool for attacking fortified targets deep underground. With the new investment package, the B-2's lifespan will also reach approximately half a century.
Roadmap for transitioning to the B-21 Raider
The necessity of maintaining existing bomber fleets has been demonstrated through recent military operations such as Operation Midnight Hammer and Epic Fury. Alongside upgrading the B-1B and B-2, the U.S. Air Force is also modernizing its B-52 fleet to the J variant with new engines and digital systems.
However, the B-1B and B-2 series will eventually be replaced by the B-21 Raider. Northrop Grumman is investing $2.5 billion to accelerate production of this new generation aircraft in order to deliver it to the military as planned.