The United States Air Force received at Edwards the first B-52 upgraded with a next-generation AESA radar, marking the start of the Radar Modernization Program testing phase.
The aircraft flew from Boeing’s San Antonio facilities after integration of the advanced system, which promises to enhance the veteran bomber’s navigation and target acquisition capabilities.
The radar, developed by Raytheon and based on technologies applied to the F-15 and F/A-18, replaces the legacy system and is part of a broad upgrade package planned for all 76 B-52s in the fleet.
In addition to the radar, the platform will receive new engines, updated avionics, a modernized cockpit, and improved communication systems for both conventional and nuclear missions.
Ground and flight testing will continue throughout 2026 and will guide the decision for large-scale production. The modernization is part of the plan to keep the B-52 in service at least until 2050, operating alongside the B-21 Raider and maintaining its central role in the U.S. global strike capability.
Source: Defence Blog | Photo: X @AFGlobalStrike | This content was created with AI assistance and reviewed by the editorial team
A new BUFF has joined the test fleet!
In partnership with @Boeing, crews from the 419th FLTS @EdwardsAFB & 49th TES @TeamBarksdale successfully ferried the 1st B-52 with a modern Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) from San Antonio.
Read more: https://t.co/WI16nQvfWK pic.twitter.com/qe9kiWL72e
— Air Force Global Strike Command (@AFGlobalStrike) December 11, 2025
