Boeing Wins $2.04B U.S. Air Force Contract for B-52 Engine Replacement Program

Boeing Defense Systems has secured a major $2.04 billion task order from the U.S. Department of Defense to advance the B-52 Commercial Engine Replacement Program (CERP), reinforcing the long-term modernization of the U.S. Air Force’s iconic strategic bomber. The contract was announced Tuesday and represents a significant milestone in upgrading the B-52 fleet to ensure continued operational effectiveness for decades to come.

The task order focuses on post–Critical Design Review development activities for the B-52 engine replacement effort. Under the agreement, Boeing will be responsible for extensive system integration work and the modification of two B-52 aircraft to accommodate new engines and associated subsystems. These upgrades are designed to improve fuel efficiency, reliability, and maintainability while reducing long-term operating costs for the Air Force.

Work on the B-52 CERP contract will be carried out across several key U.S. locations, including Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; San Antonio, Texas; Seattle, Washington; and Indianapolis, Indiana. This multi-site execution highlights Boeing’s broad industrial footprint and collaboration with government and industry partners nationwide. The project is scheduled for completion by May 31, 2033, underscoring the long-term nature of the B-52 modernization program.

Initial funding for the contract includes $35.77 million in Fiscal Year 2026 research, development, test, and evaluation funds. These funds will support early-phase engineering, integration, and testing activities critical to advancing the program toward full implementation. Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma is serving as the contracting activity, reflecting its central role in sustaining and modernizing the B-52 fleet.

The contract is officially designated under contract number FA8628-19-D-1000/FA8107-26-F-B001. With this award, Boeing continues to strengthen its position as a key defense contractor supporting U.S. Air Force modernization priorities. The B-52 Commercial Engine Replacement Program is expected to extend the bomber’s service life well into the future, ensuring it remains a cornerstone of U.S. strategic airpower in an evolving global security environment.