# B-52 Squadrons — Program Element 0101113F

**Program element:** 0101113F  
**Component:** U.S. Air Force  
**Appropriation:** 3600 — RDT&E, Air Force  
**Budget Activity:** 7 — Operational System Development  
**Vintage:** President's Budget PB2027  
**Canonical URL:** https://hitchintel.com/programs/0101113F

## Summary

U.S. Air Force funding ramps 66% to a $1.48B request in FY2027, before stepping down 43% across the five-year plan. In the FY2027 defense authorization, the House funded it in full; the Senate funded it in full; House appropriators added 3.4% (to $1.53B). Boeing leads the industry work.

## Funding profile

| Fiscal Year | Estimate Type | Amount ($M) |
|---|---|---|
| FY2025 | Actual | 1,019.1 |
| FY2026 | Enacted | 888.2 |
| FY2027 | Request | 1,478.6 |
| FY2028 | Outyear | 1,664.6 |
| FY2029 | Outyear | 1,263.8 |
| FY2030 | Outyear | 936.6 |
| FY2031 | Outyear | 849.7 |

> Estimate types are not summed — the profile mixes actuals, enacted law, the request, and outyear projections.

## Congressional marks (FY2027)

| Stage | Marked ($M) | Change ($M) |
|---|---|---|
| Request | 1,478.6 | — |
| House NDAA (HASC) | 1,478.6 | +0.0 |
| Senate NDAA (SASC) | 1,478.6 | +0.0 |
| House Approps (HAC-D) | 1,529.2 | +50.6 |

> FY2027 NDAA authorization marks, as of 2026-07-27. Not appropriations or final law.

## Projects (11)

| Project | Title | FY2025 actual | FY2026 enacted | FY2027 request | Move |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 675129 | B-52 CERP | 753.4 | 595.7 | 998.6 | +68% |
| 671810 | B-52 AEHF Integration | 5.9 | 18.3 | 194.0 | +958% |
| 675039 | B-52 System Improvements | 40.5 | 34.5 | 126.3 | +267% |
| 675056 | B-52 Radar Modernization Program (RMP) | 200.0 | 153.1 | 106.9 | −30% |
| 676039 | B-52 Airspace Compliance | 1.7 | 12.8 | 17.9 | +39% |
| 670011 | ARC-260 | 0.0 | 6.3 | 13.5 | +115% |
| 671803 | B-52 AFMC Test Assets | 1.6 | 1.5 | 10.8 | +618% |
| 670008 | Resilient Operation Capability Suite | 0.0 | 8.2 | 6.0 | −27% |
| 675160 | B-52 Crypto Modernization | 5.3 | 1.2 | 2.9 | +146% |
| 675165 | B-52 Quad Crew | 4.7 | 10.3 | 1.2 | −88% |
| 670132 | B-52 Mission Employment Trainer | 6.2 | 46.2 | 0.5 | −99% |

> Projects are the summable leaves: the program element total is their sum, never added to it.

### Project 675129 — B-52 CERP

The B-52J Commercial Engine Replacement Program (CERP) supports nuclear and conventional operations by replacing the current TF33-PW-103 engine on the B-52H aircraft. The TF33-PW-103 engine is experiencing significant supportability challenges due to diminished manufacturing sources and obsolescent technologies. This program will replace the current TF33-PW-103 engine with new military derivative commercial Rolls-Royce F130 engines of similar size, weight, and thrust characteristics. Along with the new engines, CERP will replace associated subsystems, such as engine struts and nacelles, the electrical power generation system, and cockpit displays. The development, production and installation of new engines and related subsystems will replace the legacy equipment on all 76 B-52H aircraft. Any B-52H aircraft modified with the new commercial engines and associated subsystems will be designated as B-52J. B-52J CERP is taking advantage of advances in technology and on-going development efforts to acquire engines and integrate them into the B-52. The new technology will increase both the overall reliability and maintainability of the propulsion system and produce additional electrical power generation capabilities for emerging requirements. The B-52J CERP will allow the operational command (Air Force Global Strike Command) to fully utilize the capabilities of the B-52 aircraft to employ an array of nuclear and conventional weapons while increasing fuel efficiency and extending the range/loiter capabilities of the aircraft. In addition, applicable training devices must be developed, modified and/or upgraded in conjunction with the aircraft modifications. As B-52J CERP brings additional capability to the B-52, emerging security/certification requirements (nuclear hardening, cyber security, program protection, etc.) are being addressed. Several concurrent aircraft upgrades during the B-52J CERP necessitate temporary facilities or facility upgrades/modifications. In addition, the upgrades may necessitate studies be performed to determine optimal engine installation and deployment options. Additionally, funds will be used to procure long lead material and installation for test aircraft to include engines and all required associated components in the B-52J CERP configuration baseline (i.e. RMP A & B EMD kits).

**Named R-3 performers** (share of this project's FY2027 R-3 total, so they need not reach 100%)**:** Boeing (897.0, 90%), AFLCMC/FZA (21.0, 2.1%), 412TW (15.2, 1.5%), Rolls Royce (12.8, 1.3%).

| Activity (R-2A) | FY2025 | FY2026 | FY2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| B-52 CERP | 753.4 | 595.7 | 998.6 |

> R-2A activities carry the prior, current and budget year only — no five-year plan. Coverage is partial, so count them, never total them.

### Project 671810 — B-52 AEHF Integration

The B-52 Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) Integration satellite communications (SATCOM) system provides a survivable, low probability of intercept/detection, high bandwidth system that ensures secure intra/inter-flight and two-way command and control communications in the modern anti-access/aerial denial battle space. This communications upgrade replaces the Military Strategic and Tactical Relay (MILSTAR) Ultra High Frequency (UHF) SATCOM capability (MILSTAR is nearing system end of life) on the B-52. The AEHF Integration effort will integrate the Family of Advanced Beyond Line-of-Sight Terminals (FAB-T) Force Element Terminal (FET) onto the B-52 to provide two-way satellite communication for the B-52. Funds may be used to address requirements including, but not limited to, emerging and short-notice Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS) for both aircraft and associated training systems, Development Testing (DT)/ Operational Testing (OT), and safety of flight issues. Additionally, funds may accommodate Program Management Administration (PMA) and support, civilian pay expenses, rapid technology insertion, and fulfill Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) or other mandates necessary to ensure continued aircrew safety and mission effectiveness. As AEHF Integration provides future communication growth to the B-52, emerging security/certification requirements (nuclear certification, cyber security, program protection, crypto modernization, etc.) as well as other aircraft upgrades may require studies and/or support for potential impact to AEHF. Funds will be used to conduct development and test activities. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605827F, 0605828F, 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605832F, 0605833F, 0605898F, 0606398F.

| Activity (R-2A) | FY2025 | FY2026 | FY2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| B-52 AEHF Integration | 5.9 | 18.3 | 194.0 |

> R-2A activities carry the prior, current and budget year only — no five-year plan. Coverage is partial, so count them, never total them.

### Project 675039 — B-52 System Improvements

B-52 System Improvements is a comprehensive project to facilitate future capabilities and ensure the B-52's viability in performing current and future wartime missions. The scope of work may include, but not limited to, the development of an Analysis of Alternative (AoA), studies and analyses, a Capability Development Document (CDD), and/or any other analyses or documentation necessary to establish a Program of Record (POR). Additionally, this project may include airborne integration experiments or demonstrations of emerging technologies. Support of the platform integration efforts are necessary to identify and resolve challenges associated with integrating multiple programs and activities planned for the B-52 fleet. Costs include any analysis, documentation, and related expenses necessary to establish a POR and support the B-52 weapon system. Additionally, other costs include, but are not limited to Program Management Administration (PMA), civilian pay expenses, rapid technology insertion, centralized support and initiatives for anticipated weapon system enhancements (to include efforts to improve weapon system operational capabilities, safety, supportability, maintainability, reliability, and total cost of ownership), emerging and short-notice Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS) for both aircraft and associated training systems, Development Testing (DT)/ Operational Testing (OT), safety of flight issues and to fulfill Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) or other mandates necessary to ensure continued aircrew safety and mission effectiveness. Advanced Wing Weapon Pylon (AWWP) is currently within the Systems Improvement Budget Line and will be moved to a new consolidated Weapons BPAC during execution in FY27. The B-52 Advanced Pylon overcomes critical structural limitations of the 1960s-era pylon to enable carriage of next-generation, heavy-weight standoff weapons. It will dramatically increase the B-52's "magazine depth” by allowing it to carry a larger quantity of advanced munitions or single, massive payloads (20,000 lb. class). Long Range Anti-Ship Missile/ Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (LRASM/JASSM) Integration is currently within the Systems Improvement BPAC but will be moved to a new consolidated Weapons BPAC during execution in FY27. LRASM / JASM Integration integrates next-generation stealthy cruise missiles.

| Activity (R-2A) | FY2025 | FY2026 | FY2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| B-52 Systems Improvements | 4.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| B-52 Advance Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) Integration | 0.0 | 16.5 | 0.0 |
| Advanced Concept Demonstration | 3.9 | 0.0 | 1.0 |
| Long Range Anti-Ship Missile/ Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (LRASM/JASSM) | — | 0.0 | 50.3 |
| Advanced Wing Weapon Pylon (AWWP) | — | 0.0 | 30.0 |
| Advanced Weapons Integration | — | 0.0 | 45.0 |

> R-2A activities carry the prior, current and budget year only — no five-year plan. Coverage is partial, so count them, never total them.

### Project 675056 — B-52 Radar Modernization Program (RMP)

The B-52 Radar Modernization Program (RMP) supports nuclear and conventional operations by replacing the current AN/APQ-166 radar on the B-52 aircraft with the AN/APQ-188 radar. The APQ-166 system is increasingly difficult to sustain due to Diminishing Manufacturing Sources & obsolescent technologies, and the current failure rate places long-duration missions at risk. This modernization program will encompass the radar antenna array, 12 individual Line Replaceable Units (LRU), the radar control panel, and the Group A allocation that comprise the entire radar system. RMP will take advantage of advances in technology and on-going development efforts to acquire, to the maximum extent possible, previously developed radar systems and integrate them into the B-52. The use of new technology will increase both the overall reliability of the radar system and the capabilities for new missions. RMP will allow the operational command (AF Global Strike Command) to fully utilize the capabilities of the B-52 aircraft to employ an array of nuclear and conventional weapons and perform mission-essential navigation and weather avoidance functions. AF Global Strike Command approved the removal of the radome from the baseline program for considerations of cost control and satisfactory legacy radome performance. In addition, applicable training devices for the new radar subsystem must also be developed, modified, and/or upgraded in conjunction with the aircraft modifications. This modification includes the installation of Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) kits on two B-52 test aircraft to support Developmental/Operational Test and Evaluation (DT/OT). This program upgrades one B-52 Software Integration Lab (SIL) with radar functionality and builds a new Radar Development Lab and a new Radar SIL. Additionally, this program will develop a desktop training tool.

**Named R-3 performers** (share of this project's FY2027 R-3 total, so they need not reach 100%)**:** Boeing (83.5, 78%), Edwards AFB (10.4, 9.7%), AFLCMC/FZA (6.0, 5.7%), AFOTEC (1.4, 1.3%).

| Activity (R-2A) | FY2025 | FY2026 | FY2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radar Modernization Program (RMP) | 200.0 | 153.1 | 106.9 |

> R-2A activities carry the prior, current and budget year only — no five-year plan. Coverage is partial, so count them, never total them.

### Project 676039 — B-52 Airspace Compliance

The B-52 Airspace Compliance Program ensures the B-52 meets regulatory Airspace Compliance, DoW and FAA mandates by integrated required hardware, software and firmware. Integrates a new Global Positioning System that provides advanced encryption to prevent spoofing and increases jamming protection for the fleet. This also includes the new Global Positioning System (GPS) Military Code (M-Code) signal design that provides a robust signal for the B-52 Fleet, enhancing Anti-Jam/Anti-Spoof capabilities and improving security to the GPS data message as military applications, technology, and mission requirements evolve. The scope of work may include, but not limited to studies and analyses, and/or any additional analyses or documentation necessary to establish a Programs of Record (POR) the meet mandated functions. Funds may also be used to address emerging and short-notice Diminishing Manufacturing and Material Shortages (DMSMS) for both aircraft and associated training systems, Development Testing (DT)/Operational Testing (OT), safety of flight issues, and associated components of the B-52 baseline configurations. DMSMS efforts may include removal of end-of-life/obsolete software and hardware due to the future emergence of Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) implementation. This program element included all necessary expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program elements 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605833F, and 0605898F

| Activity (R-2A) | FY2025 | FY2026 | FY2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airspace Compliance (M-Code) | 1.7 | 12.8 | 17.9 |

> R-2A activities carry the prior, current and budget year only — no five-year plan. Coverage is partial, so count them, never total them.

### Project 670011 — ARC-260

The B-52 ARC-260 program replaces a legacy HF radio with a modernized radio to ensure Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) communications in a satellite denied environment. The legacy ARC-190 legacy radio is end of life (EOL) and is no longer procurable with increasing sustainment phase-out through FY31. The scope of the work includes, but is not limited to, the replacement of the existing ARC-190 system with an ARC-260 Radio Set Control (RSC) and Receiver/Transmitter (R/T). The current program intent is to reuse the existing HF antenna/coupler and reuse Group A items to the maximum extent. The ARC-260 will be integrated into the B-52 platform to improve HF voice communications and take full advantage of the HF Automatic Link Establishment (ALE) capabilities. The ARC-260 radio integration on the B-52 aircraft is essential to maintaining BLOS communications and improving mission capabilities well into the future. Funds may be used to address requirements including, but not limited to, emerging and short-notice Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS) for both aircraft and associated training systems, Development Testing (DT)/ Operational Testing (OT), and safety of flight issues. Additionally, funds may accommodate Program Management Administration (PMA) and support, civilian pay expenses, rapid technology insertion, and fulfill Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) or other mandates necessary to ensure continued aircrew safety and mission effectiveness. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605827F, 0605828F, 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605832F, 0605833F, 0605898F, 0606398F.

| Activity (R-2A) | FY2025 | FY2026 | FY2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| B-52 ARC-260 | 0.0 | 6.3 | 13.5 |

> R-2A activities carry the prior, current and budget year only — no five-year plan. Coverage is partial, so count them, never total them.

### Project 671803 — B-52 AFMC Test Assets

The B-52 AFMC Test Assets project will provide funding for the test aircraft, manpower, and facilities at the Air Force Test Center located at Edwards AFB, California. The project will support the development testing and Bomber Modular Data Acquisition System (BMDAS) integration on B-52 test aircraft. The project can support Programmed Depot Maintenance (PDM) costs supporting test aircraft modifications occurring at Tinker AFB, OK. Costs include, but are not limited to, any analysis, documentation, and related expenses necessary to establish a program of record and support the B-52 weapon system. Additionally, other costs include Program Management Administration (PMA) and centralized support and initiatives for anticipated weapon system enhancements (to include efforts to improve weapon system operational capabilities, safety, supportability, maintainability, reliability, and total cost of ownership). Funds may be used to address requirements including, but not limited to, emerging and short notice Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS) for both aircraft and associated training systems, Development Testing (DT), and safety of flight issues. Additionally, funds may accommodate PMA and support, civilian pay expenses, rapid technology insertion, and fulfill Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) or other mandates necessary to ensure continued aircrew safety and mission effectiveness. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605827F, 0605828F, 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605832F, 0605833F, 0605898F, 0606398F.

**Named R-3 performers** (share of this project's FY2027 R-3 total, so they need not reach 100%)**:** AFTC (10.8, 100%).

| Activity (R-2A) | FY2025 | FY2026 | FY2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| B-52 AFMC Test Aircraft Asset Support | 1.6 | 1.5 | 10.8 |

> R-2A activities carry the prior, current and budget year only — no five-year plan. Coverage is partial, so count them, never total them.

### Project 670008 — Resilient Operation Capability Suite

In response to urgent warfighter needs, the Resilient Operational Capability Suite (ROCS) program connects B-52 to the Department of the Air Force (DAF) Battle Management Network (BMN) to bring resilient and reliable Beyond Line-Of-Sight (BLOS) capability and an open computing environment. The program will install antennas, aerial networked, software defined radio communications with embedded cryptography, aircraft integration/computing interfaces, and aircrew peripheral devices on the B-52 aircraft. The aircraft integration, testing, and installation includes Group A components such as an equipment rack, mounts, and wiring needed to connect B-52 to the BMN system of systems enabling robust, aerial network connectivity and data dissemination. The ROCS program will start with an interim, limited capabilities solution to fill an Air Force Bombers urgent need and then transition to permanent solution with two spirals. The ROCS system shortens the long range kill chain decision cycle, enables in-flight mission objective changes and enhance communications in an open computing environment allowing faster integration of adjacent capabilities to meet mission requirements such as Alternate Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT), Digital High Frequency (HF) (ARC-260) BLOS Communications, Directional Line-Of-Sight waveforms, and SATURN enhanced data rate (SEDR) waveforms. Costs include, but are not limited to, any analysis, documentation, and related expenses necessary to establish a program of record and support the B-52 weapon system. Additionally, other costs include Program Management Administration (PMA) and centralized support and initiatives for anticipated weapon system enhancements (to include efforts to improve weapon system operational capabilities, safety, supportability, maintainability, reliability, and total cost of ownership). Funds may be used to address requirements including, but not limited to, emerging and short-notice Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS) for aircraft and associated training systems, Development Testing (DT), and safety of flight issues. Additionally, funds may accommodate PMA and support, civilian pay expenses, rapid technology insertion, and fulfill Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) or other mandates necessary to ensure continued aircrew safety and mission effectiveness.

**Named R-3 performers** (share of this project's FY2027 R-3 total, so they need not reach 100%)**:** Tinker AFB (4.9, 82%), SIL Tinker AFB (1.0, 17%).

| Activity (R-2A) | FY2025 | FY2026 | FY2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| B-52 ROCS | 0.0 | 8.2 | 6.0 |

> R-2A activities carry the prior, current and budget year only — no five-year plan. Coverage is partial, so count them, never total them.

### Project 675160 — B-52 Crypto Modernization

B-52 Crypto Modernization upgrades aircraft with Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) capable ARC-210 radio systems that prevent loss of beyond line of sight (BLOS) voice and data communications capability. The program will upgrade the B-52 aircraft with secure voice and data communications via SATURN (Second Generation Anti-Jam Technical UHF Radio for NATO) network, MUOS (Mobile User Objective System) Satellite constellation, and DAMA-IW (Demand Assigned Multiple Access - Integrated Waveform) SATCOM connection. These updates are required by the National Security Agency (NSA), DoW mandates, and directives. Funds may be used to address requirements including, but not limited to, emerging and short-notice Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS) for both aircraft and associated training systems, Development Testing (DT)/ Operational Testing (OT), and safety of flight issues. Additionally, funds may accommodate Program Management Administration (PMA) and support, civilian pay expenses, rapid technology insertion, and fulfill Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) or other mandates necessary to ensure continued aircrew safety and mission effectiveness. FY27 includes a New Start Program B-52 Intelligence Broadcast System (IBS) that will be split out into its own BPAC during the FY27 PB. The IBS program replaces the currently installed IBR-3 with the Joint Tactical Terminal - Next Generation (JTT-NG). The JTT-NG is a low Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) transceiver to replace the aging fleet of JTT systems, as part of the part of the Intelligence Broadcast System. The JTT-NG will serve as the primary radio communications component of the Joint IBS enterprise that allows Warfighter access to tactical intelligence, and Indication and Warning (I&W) information during early operation or at locations where network connection is limited or being denied. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605827F, 0605828F, 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605832F, 0605833F, 0605898F, 0606398F.

**Named R-3 performers** (share of this project's FY2027 R-3 total, so they need not reach 100%)**:** TBF (1.1, 39%), OEM (0.8, 29%).

| Activity (R-2A) | FY2025 | FY2026 | FY2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| B-52 Crypto Modernization | 5.3 | 1.2 | 1.3 |
| Intelligence Broadcast System (IBS) | — | 0.0 | 1.7 |

> R-2A activities carry the prior, current and budget year only — no five-year plan. Coverage is partial, so count them, never total them.

### Project 675165 — B-52 Quad Crew

The Quad Crew program reduces B-52 crew size from five to four personnel. The program will transition controls and displays for the electronic warfare system from the Electronic Warfare Officer (EWO) station to the B-52 Navigator Station supporting situational awareness, self-protection, and survivability in a contested environment and any other requirement needed to reduce the crew from five to four personnel. Funds may be used to address requirements including, but not limited to, system integration, emerging and short notice Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS) for both aircraft and associated training systems, Development Testing (DT)/Operational Testing (OT), and safety of flight issues. Additionally, funds may accommodate Program Management Administration (PMA) and support, civilian pay expenses, rapid technology insertion, and fulfill Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) or other mandates necessary to ensure continued aircrew safety and mission effectiveness. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605827F, 0605828F, 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605832F, 0605833F, 0605898F, 0606398F.

**Named R-3 performers** (share of this project's FY2027 R-3 total, so they need not reach 100%)**:** L3Harris (1.2, 98%).

| Activity (R-2A) | FY2025 | FY2026 | FY2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| B-52 Quad Crew | 4.7 | 10.3 | 1.2 |

> R-2A activities carry the prior, current and budget year only — no five-year plan. Coverage is partial, so count them, never total them.

### Project 670132 — B-52 Mission Employment Trainer

The B-52 Mission Employment Trainer (MET) program is for the development of the B-52 Family of Systems (FoS) Trainers. The FoS Trainers include, but is not limited to, new training devices (aircrew, operations and maintenance) and Systems Integration Lab (SIL) that will augment and eventually replace the existing B-52 legacy training systems and SIL that are antiquated, non-concurrent with the B-52 aircraft, and cost-prohibitive for modernization or sustainment. The current B-52 trainers only account for 17% of training on the Training Task Lists specified in various course syllabi. In conjunction with the AFGSC A3/6 signed Future Training Concept, this new FoS approach will train Air Force personnel utilizing multi-fidelity training devices. These training devices will leverage a common software architecture, include modularity and open mission systems, be rapidly reprogrammable and provide network capability, enable accelerated future upgrades, and support affordable sustainment. This FoS concept fulfills the future training needs of the formal training unit (FTU), combat units, and weapons school students spanning the continuum of learning. These new devices/trainers are of paramount importance because of their critical role to future B-52 combat capabilities that must advance through 2050. FY27 funds will be used to develop B-52 training devices that will provide an interactive and immersive environment to provide proficiency-based and initial qualification training for full-crew mission training and coordination, and related programmatic support. The MET FoS will develop a virtualized version of the aircraft's Operational Flight Programs (OFP) and will execute on commercial-grade, off-the-shelf computational hardware. The virtualized OFP software will be developed to run on multiple training devices of varying physical fidelity to ensure a common source baseline and reduce reliance on aircraft hardware and costly sustainment. The MET Cockpit Procedures Training (CPT) devices will be rapidly reconfigurable to different aircraft configurations, and some will be transportable. From initial development, the open architecture lays the groundwork for a roadmap to aircraft concurrency, upgradability, and can be added in a cost-effective manner, keeping pace with the speed of technology and future B-52 aircraft upgrades.

| Activity (R-2A) | FY2025 | FY2026 | FY2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mission Employment Trainer | 6.2 | 20.0 | 0.5 |

> R-2A activities carry the prior, current and budget year only — no five-year plan. Coverage is partial, so count them, never total them.

## Where the FY2027 request goes

| Category | Share | $M |
|---|---|---|
| Industry primes | 73% | 1,083.3 |
| Other / unspecified | 27% | 395.4 |

**Top named industry performers:** Boeing ($980.4M, 66%).

> R-3 exhibit contract funding, not USAspending obligations.

## Mission & acquisition strategy

B-52 System Improvements is a comprehensive project to facilitate future capabilities and ensure the B-52's viability in performing current and future wartime missions. The scope of work may include, but not limited to, the development of an Analysis of Alternative (AoA), studies and analyses, a Capability Development Document (CDD), and/or any other analyses or documentation necessary to establish a Program of Record (POR). Additionally, this project may include airborne integration experiments or demonstrations of emerging technologies.

The Milestone Decision Authority approved the B-52 RMP Acquisition Strategy (AS) on 13 March 2018. Per the AS, the Original Equipment Manufacturer completed radar and other supplier selections in June 2019. The team completed System Preliminary Design Review in October 2020, Milestone B in June 2021, awarded the EMD contract in June 2021, and conducted System Critical Design Review in February 2022. RMP will enter into Milestone C in June of 2026, and Developmental Flight Test will begin. RMP will wrap up its EMD effort in March of 2029.

## Related program elements

- [0203801A — Missile/Air Defense Product Improvement Program](https://hitchintel.com/programs/0203801A) (Army)
- [0101213F — Minuteman Squadrons](https://hitchintel.com/programs/0101213F) (Air Force)
- [0702207N — Depot Maintenance (NON-IF)](https://hitchintel.com/programs/0702207N) (Navy)
- [0605000BR — Counter Weapons OF MASS Destruction Systems Development](https://hitchintel.com/programs/0605000BR) (Defense-Wide)

## Source & machine access

- **Source:** FY2027 Department of the Air Force RDT&E Budget Justification, Exhibits R-2/R-3, PE 0101113F (PB PB2027); FY2027 NDAA committee marks (as of 2026-07-27).
- **MCP:** `mcp.hitchintel.com` — `budget_get_program_element(pe="0101113F")`.

*HitchAI is an independent intelligence service, not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Defense. Budget figures are requests/estimates, not obligations.*