A report by the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) has revealed substantial challenges affecting the US Air Force’s $21-billion modernization effort for the B-52 Stratofortress fleet. Of the 13 modernization projects designed to keep the bomber operational until at least 2050, ten are facing significant cost increases, schedule delays, and technical risks. The largest concern centers on the Commercial Engine Replacement Program (CERP), whose budget has increased by approximately $3 billion since 2023, reaching $15.4 billion while also experiencing a 15-month delay. These setbacks threaten maintenance schedules as repair facilities continue struggling with shortages of replacement parts for the aircraft’s aging Pratt & Whitney TF33 engines. According to the GAO, prolonged delays could create operational capability gaps, reducing readiness across the Air Force’s remaining fleet of 76 active B-52 bombers. Although the Air Force intends to begin engine production before completing developmental flight testing, the watchdog warned that doing so may increase the risk of expensive redesigns. The GAO recommended postponing production until risks are better understood. While the Air Force agreed with most recommendations, it only partially accepted the proposal to delay production decisions.
