US Air Force Allocates $1.7 Billion for B-1B and B-2 Upgrades

The United States Air Force intends to allocate approximately $1.7 billion toward the modernization of its strategic bombers, specifically the B-1B Lancer and B-2 Spirit fleets, over a five-year period. This financial commitment is detailed in budget documents reviewed by RIA Novosti.

Budget Breakdown for Strategic Bombers

According to the documents, more than $342 million is designated for upgrading the B-1B Lancers during fiscal years 2027 through 2031. A significantly larger sum, roughly $1.35 billion, is earmarked for the enhancement of the B-2 Spirit fleet within the same timeframe.

The majority of the funding allocated to the B-1B program focuses on increasing the aircraft's combat payload capacity. Plans include the purchase of 145 launch devices in 2027, which will restore the bomber’s ability to carry weapons on external hardpoints.

Additionally, the Air Force has requested $27 million to install a new satellite communications system. This technology enables communication with command centers and allows for target changes while the aircraft is in flight. Equipment purchases for this system are scheduled for 18 aircraft in 2027.

Upgrades for the B-2 Spirit Fleet

For the B-2 Spirit bombers, the modernization plan involves replacing outdated launch devices. This modification aims to increase the quantity of weapons carried onboard and enable the use of various types of munitions.

The Air Force also plans to update the radar equipment on the B-2s. The current processors suffer from frequent failures that threaten the operational readiness of these combat aircraft. Procurement of the necessary upgrade components is set to begin in 2027, with the installation of the new equipment scheduled for 2029.

Extended Service Life and Operational Context

Experts from the Roscongress Foundation concluded in a report released earlier this October that the US Air Force has suspended its previous plan to retire the B-1B and B-2 bombers. That retirement was originally scheduled for the early 2030s but has been delayed amid broader plans to expand the strategic aviation fleet.

The Air Force revealed this investment strategy as part of a review of prior plans that called for retiring both bomber types before the large-scale deployment of the new B-21 Raider. Congress extended a ban on reducing the B-1B fleet until 2030. According to a report by the Congressional Research Service, the Air Force currently plans to keep the B-1Bs in service until 2037.

This year, B-1B bombers participated in operations against Iran. Three of these aircraft launched from British territory for the first time to conduct strikes in the region.