Air Force officials spotlight cost jumps, delays for B-52 bomber modernization

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DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) - Air Force officials recently revealed new details about schedule delays and rising costs related to the services multi-billion dollar B-52 bomber modernization program.

The service’s top acquisition official, Andrew Hunter, told reporters at the Air Force Association’s Air, Space & Cyber Conference here Tuesday that the program is now expected to cost $10 to $12 billion more than the $20 billion originally estimated.

Hunter said additional funds for the program were included in the fiscal year 2023 budget request that the Air Force submitted to Congress earlier this year.

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The Air Force is also facing delays in the program, with the first modernized B-52s now expected to be delivered in 2028, two years later than originally planned.

Hunter said the delays are due to a number of factors, including supply chain issues and the need for more testing.

Despite the challenges, Hunter said the Air Force remains committed to the B-52 modernization program.

“The B-52 is a critical part of our nation’s nuclear deterrent, and we need to ensure that it remains capable of meeting the threats of the 21st century,” he said.