US Air Force awards $7 billion contract for B-2 bomber modernization project

News, US May 5, 2024 , by IRIA No Comments

U.S.-based defense giant Northrop Grumman secured a $7 billion contract to update the U.S. Air Force’s B-2 Spirit heavy strategic bomber aircraft. The U.S. Air Force currently operates a fleet of 20 B-2 bomber jets, the cost of the latest project is roughly $350 million per aircraft.

The contract provides for enhancements, sustainment, and logistics elements for the aircraft, the Pentagon said on May 3, 2024. As per the Pentagon notice, the contract is scheduled to remain active until 2029.

This contract award could mark one of the final ones for the renowned stealth bomber. The U.S. Air Force plans to phase out the versatile B-2 bomber in the early 2030s, replacing it with the B-21 Raider, also manufactured by Northrop Grumman.

“In partnership with the Air Force, Northrop Grumman is ensuring the B-2 Spirit fleet remains viable and mission-ready. The $7 billion Flexible Acquisition Sustainment Team III contract award is a reflection of our commitment to strengthening the B-2’s sustainment as we continue to modernize the aircraft to meet the needs of the U.S. Air Force,” Northrop Grumman director and acting B-2 program manager Jerry McBrearty, said in a statement.

The U.S. Air Force plans to expand its strategic bomber fleet and acquire a minimum of 100 B-21s, intending for them to succeed both the B-2 and Boeing B-1 Lancer. Once these aircraft are fully phased out, the Air Force will transition to a two-bomber fleet, leveraging Boeing’s B-52 Stratofortress, which is projected to remain operational well into the mid-century thanks to upgrades such as new engines and other enhancements.

*^{United States Air Force B-2 stealth bomber aircraft taking part in Exercise Red Flag 24 at Nellis Air Base in Nevada. (Image Credit: USAF/UK MOD)}*

Most expensive military aircraft

Priced at over $2 billion each, the Spirit holds the record as the most valuable military aircraft ever manufactured. Due to the conclusion of the Cold War and the program’s staggering expenses, the Air Force deployed only 21 of these distinctive flying wings.

Presently, 20 of the aircraft are still operational, with one bomber lost in a 2008 crash at Andersen Air Force Base. Although the aircraft was irreparably damaged and scrapped, the crew ejected safely. Known as the “Spirit,” the B-2 stealth bomber is renowned for its immense firepower, capable of penetrating even the most advanced air defense systems globally.

Primarily crafted to engage high-value targets, often heavily fortified, the B-2 embodies a significant advancement in technology, offering the capability to deploy both conventional and nuclear munitions, as highlighted by the U.S. Air Force.

The aircraft incorporates cutting-edge low-observable technologies, rendering it exceptionally challenging for enemy radar systems to detect. With an operational range of 6,000 nautical miles (9,600 kilometers), the B-2 is operated by a two-person crew.