Boeing Wins $2 Billion Contract to Modernize B-52 Bombers
Boeing has secured a $2 billion contract from the US Air Force to continue work on re-engining the B-52H bomber, part of the long-running B-52 Commercial Engine Replacement Program (CERP).
The contract, approved on 23 December 2025, funds integration of new turbofan engines on two B-52H aircraft, replacing the current eight Pratt & Whitney TF33 engines mounted in the bomber’s dual-pod underwing configuration.
CERP, launched in 2018, aims to extend the B-52 fleet’s service life while improving fuel efficiency and reliability. Rolls-Royce serves as the propulsion supplier and recently cleared the USAF critical design review for the new engines.
According to Boeing, the program will modernize the bomber with engines that provide higher thrust, improved durability, and reduced maintenance requirements. The upgrades support the Air Force’s long-term bomber strategy, ensuring the B-52 remains operational well into the 2050s.
The contract milestone represents both a significant investment in US strategic bomber capability and a major step in ongoing fleet modernization.
The B-52H, a cornerstone of America’s heavy bomber fleet, will benefit from these new engines by achieving greater operational flexibility, lower lifecycle costs, and enhanced performance. Boeing will continue engineering, testing, and integration work over the next several years under this award.
