America looking to upgrade B-1B and B-2 bombers

The US Air Force plans to spend about $1.7 billion over the next five years to upgrade the B-1B Lancer and B-2 Spirit strategic bombers, according to Pentagon budget documents.

According to Ambassador Arjan, the experts of the "Roscongress Foundation" (Roscongress Foundation) in a report published in early October, the US Air Force has stopped the process of decommissioning B-1B and B-2 bombers, which was supposed to be done in the early 2030s, and simultaneously with plans to expand its strategic air fleet, it has increased the operational life of these planes.

According to Ambassador Arjan, based on the budget documents of the US Air Force, more than 342 million dollars have been allocated for the upgrade of B-1B bombers in the fiscal years 2027 to 2031 and about 1.35 billion dollars for the upgrade of B-2 bombers.

A major part of the budget allocated to the B-1B will be spent on increasing its capacity to carry combat weapons. Specifically, the purchase of 145 launch systems is planned for 2027 and the ability to carry weapons in foreign locations will be restored.

Also, another $27 million has been requested to install a new satellite communication system; A system that allows communicating with the command center and changing targets during the flight. The equipment related to this system is supposed to be purchased in 2027 for 18 aircraft.

As for the B-2 bomber, it is planned to replace its old launch systems; An action that allows this plane to carry more weapons and use more diverse types of ammunition.

The US Air Force also plans to upgrade the B-2's radar equipment, as its old processors frequently fail and threaten the combat readiness of these planes.

Also, according to the plans, the supply of necessary parts for this upgrade will begin in 2027, and the installation of new equipment is planned for 2029.