B-52 Overhaul Price Soars, Cost Overruns Plague Ambitious Project

Plan to Replace Engines and Radar Encounters Unexpected Expenses

Air Force Brings in Former Pentagon Official to Aid in Negotiations

The plan to overhaul the aging B-52 bomber fleet has hit a significant financial roadblock, with recent estimates indicating a hefty 33 billion dollar price tag for radar upgrades. This figure represents a substantial increase from the initial 23 billion dollar projection, raising concerns about the project's viability.

The Air Force has acknowledged the cost overruns and has taken steps to address the issue. A former Pentagon official has been brought in to assist in negotiations with Boeing, the primary contractor for the B-52 overhaul. The goal is to mitigate the project's financial impact without compromising mission capabilities.

The B-52 overhaul, intended to extend the aircraft's operational life until approximately 2060, is a critical component of the Air Force's two-bomber fleet strategy, alongside the B-21. However, the escalating costs of the project have cast doubt on whether the plan to keep the B-52s flying is still economically feasible.