This article is based on an official press release from Boeing and additional background data from government reports.

Boeing Delivers First B-52 Equipped with Advanced AESA Radar for USAF Testing

On December 11, 2025, Boeing officially delivered the first B-52 Stratofortress equipped with the new Radar Modernization Program (RMP) system to the U.S. Air Force. The aircraft was ferried from Boeing’s facility in San Antonio to Edwards Air Force Base in California, where it has been inducted into the 412th Test Wing for rigorous flight testing.

This delivery marks a pivotal step in the comprehensive overhaul of the Cold War-era bomber. The modernization effort aims to extend the operational life of the B-52 well into the 2050s, ensuring it remains a viable strategic asset alongside newer platforms like the B-21 Raider.

Technological Leap: The AN/APQ-188 Radar

The centerpiece of this upgrade is the transition from mechanical scanning to Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) technology. According to the company’s statement, the new radar systems is the AN/APQ-188, which is derived from the AN/APG-79 radar currently utilized on the U.S. Navy’s F/A-18 Super Hornet.

This upgrade replaces the obsolete AN/APQ-166 mechanical radar, which dates back to the 1960s and has suffered from severe supply chain shortages. The new AESA system offers significant operational advantages, including:

• Extended Range: Enhanced detection and tracking capabilities that exceed legacy systems.
• Multi-Target Engagement: The ability to track and engage multiple targets simultaneously.
• Situational Awareness: Improved ground mapping and target identification.
• Electronic Warfare: Greater resistance to jamming and electronic countermeasures.
• Reliability: As an AESA system has no moving parts, it is expected to drastically reduce maintenance requirements compared to its mechanical predecessor.

Troy Dawson, Vice President of Boeing Bombers, emphasized the operational impact of the new system in the press release:

“The new radar will significantly increase B-52 mission effectiveness by improving situational awareness, speeding target prosecution and enhancing aircrew survivability in contested environments. This phase of the program is dedicated to getting it right at the start so that we can execute the full radar modernization program.”

Cockpit Modernization

The RMP involves more than just a sensor swap. Boeing confirmed that the upgrade includes a substantial overhaul of the bomber’s cockpit. The navigator and radar navigator stations have been fitted with two large 8×20-inch high-definition touchscreens, new mission computers, and modern hand controllers that replace legacy dials and knobs. These changes are designed to streamline crew workload and improve data processing speeds.

The Path to the B-52J

The radar upgrade is one of two major pillars required to transform the current B-52H fleet into the redesignated B-52J. The second pillar is the Commercial Engine Replacement Program (CERP), which will replace the aircraft’s eight aging Pratt & Whitney TF33 engines with modern Rolls-Royce F130 engines.

According to program data, the upgrades apply to the entire operational fleet of 76 aircraft. While the delivery of the test aircraft is a success, the program has faced schedule pressures. Government Accountability Office (GAO) reports from earlier in 2025 indicated that Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for the radar and engine upgrades has faced delays, with full B-52J operational capability potentially shifting toward the 2030s due to funding and supply chain challenges.

AirPro News analysis

The arrival of the AN/APQ-188 at Edwards AFB signals a critical transition for the U.S. Air Force’s bomber strategy. By equipping the B-52 with “fighter-like” radar capabilities, the Air Force is effectively creating a “high-low” mix for the coming decades. While the stealthy B-21 Raider is designed to penetrate highly contested airspace, the non-stealthy B-52J will serve as a high-capacity “missile truck,” capable of launching standoff munitions from outside enemy air defense zones.

The integration of an AESA radar is essential for this role, as it allows the B-52 to detect threats earlier and coordinate more effectively with fifth-generation assets. However, the success of this strategy relies heavily on the 412th Test Wing’s ability to validate the software integration quickly, preventing further slides in the deployment timeline.

Sources

• Boeing Press Release
• Government Accountability Office (GAO) Reports
• U.S. Air Force / 412th Test Wing