This article summarizes reporting by Reuters and contract data from the U.S. Department of Defense.

Boeing Secures $2.04 Billion Contract for B-52 Engine Integration

The U.S. Department of Defense has awarded Boeing a significant task order valued at approximately $2.04 billion to advance the modernization of the B-52 Stratofortress fleet. According to reporting by Reuters and official Pentagon announcements released on Tuesday, December 23, this funding is dedicated to the B-52 Commercial Engine Replacement Program (CERP), a critical effort to keep the Cold War-era bombers flying into the 2050s.

The contract specifically covers the “Post-Critical Design Review” phase of development. While Rolls-Royce is supplying the new F130 engines under a separate agreement, Boeing, as the prime integrator, is tasked with the complex engineering required to install modern propulsion systems onto the vintage airframes. This award marks a pivotal step in redesignating the fleet as the B-52J.

Contract Scope and Timeline

According to data released by the Pentagon, this cost-plus-incentive-fee contract funds the design, development, and execution of the engine integration. Work will be performed across multiple Boeing facilities, including Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; San Antonio, Texas; Seattle, Washington; and Indianapolis, Indiana.

The Department of Defense expects this phase of the work to be completed by May 31, 2033. The funding structure is incremental, beginning with approximately $35.8 million in fiscal year 2026 research, development, test, and evaluation funds.

Integration vs. Supply

It is vital to distinguish between the engine supplier and the integrator in this multi-billion dollar modernization effort. Rolls-Royce secured a $2.6 billion contract in 2021 to manufacture 608 F130 engines. However, Boeing’s role, funded by this new $2.04 billion award, involves the structural and digital modifications necessary to accept those engines.

The scope of work includes:

• Nacelle Design: Developing new aerodynamic pods and struts to mount the engines.
• System Overhaul: Upgrading electrical power generation and cockpit displays to process digital engine data.
• Prototyping: Modifying and flight-testing two B-52 Military-Aircraft to validate the new configuration before fleet-wide installation.

Strategic Implications: The B-52J

The Commercial Engine Replacement Program is the centerpiece of the Air Force’s strategy to maintain a “two-bomber” force structure, consisting of the stealth B-21 Raider and the standoff B-52J. By replacing the original 1960s-era Pratt & Whitney TF33 engines, the Air Force aims to achieve 30% greater fuel efficiency and significantly reduce maintenance costs.

According to Air Force Global Strike Command leadership, the upgraded bomber will serve a distinct role alongside the stealthy B-21.

“The B-52J will not be your grandfather’s B-52. With new engines, new radar, and new digital Avionics, it will be a lethal, long-range arsenal plane.”

, Summary of remarks by Air Force Global Strike Command officials

AirPro News Analysis

While this contract award signals a firm commitment to the B-52’s future, the timeline reveals the challenges inherent in retrofitting 70-year-old airframes. The completion date of May 2033 for this development phase aligns with recent reports of schedule slips. Originally, the Air Force targeted an earlier Initial Operational Capability (IOC), but technical hurdles regarding the engine inlet design and aerodynamic integration have necessitated a more cautious timeline.

We observe that the shift to 2033 for the completion of this specific integration phase suggests that the full fleet conversion will be a slow process, requiring the legacy TF33 engines to remain in service longer than initially planned. This places additional pressure on Air Force maintainers to keep the aging engines operational until the transition to the B-52J is complete.

Sources

• Reuters
• U.S. Department of Defense

This article summarizes reporting by Al Jazeera and official statements from Turkish and Libyan authorities.

Libyan Army Chief and High-Level Delegation Killed in Turkey Plane Crash

A private business jet carrying a high-level Libyan military delegation, including the Chief of the General Staff of the Libyan Army, crashed near Ankara, Turkey, on Tuesday evening. Authorities have confirmed that all eight individuals on board, five passengers and three crew members, perished in the incident. The crash occurred shortly after the delegation concluded high-level defense talks with Turkish officials.

According to reporting by Al Jazeera, the aircraft disappeared from radar shortly after taking off from Ankara’s Esenboga Airport. Turkish officials later located the wreckage in a rural area south of the capital. The loss of General Mohammed Ali Al-Haddad marks a significant blow to the Tripoli-based Government of National Unity (GNU) and ongoing efforts to unify Libya’s fractured military institutions.

Incident Timeline and Crash Details

The aircraft, identified as a Dassault Falcon 50 with the registration 9H-DFJ, departed from Esenboga Airport (ESB) at approximately 20:10 local time (17:10 GMT) on Tuesday, December 23, 2025. It was en route to Tripoli, Libya.

Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya stated that air traffic control lost the signal with the jet at 20:52 local time. Search and rescue teams, including Gendarmerie units, were immediately dispatched to the last known coordinates. The wreckage was subsequently discovered near Kesikkavak village in the Haymana district, roughly 70 to 75 kilometers south of Ankara.

Preliminary Cause

While a full investigation has been launched by the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, initial reports suggest technical issues were a factor. Turkish officials indicated that the pilot contacted air traffic control to request an emergency landing due to an “electrical failure” moments before the signal was lost. Footage aired on Turkish media reportedly showed a flash of light in the night sky, consistent with a high-impact crash or explosion.

Casualties and Delegation Members

Libyan authorities have confirmed the identities of the five passengers, all of whom were key figures in the western Libyan military establishment. The three crew members, whose identities have not yet been released, also died in the crash.

The deceased delegation members include:

• General Mohammed Ali Ahmed Al-Haddad: Chief of the General Staff of the Libyan Army (Tripoli-based).
• Major General Al-Fitouri Grebeel: Chief of Staff of the Ground Forces.
• Brigadier General Mahmoud al-Qutawi: Director of the Military Manufacturing Agency.
• Muhammad al-Assawi Diab: Advisor to the Chief of General Staff.
• Muhammad Omar Ahmed Mahjoub: A military photographer and media staff member.

“A great loss to the homeland.”

, Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, mourning the delegation

Geopolitical Context and Defense Talks

The delegation was in Turkey for critical defense meetings, underscoring the deep military ties between the two nations. Earlier on Tuesday, General Al-Haddad met with Turkish Minister of National Defense Yasar Guler and General Selcuk Bayraktaroglu, the Chief of the Turkish General Staff.

Turkey remains a primary backer of the Tripoli-based Government of National Unity. The visit coincided with a significant legislative move in Turkey; just one day prior, on Monday, the Turkish Parliament approved a motion to extend the mandate of Turkish troops in Libya for an additional two years. This extension facilitates continued military training and advisory support to forces in western Libya.

AirPro News Analysis

The death of General Al-Haddad creates an immediate and precarious vacuum in the military command structure of western Libya. Al-Haddad was not only a commander but a central figure in the delicate, UN-brokered negotiations to unify the country’s rival armed forces, specifically between his Tripoli-based cadres and the eastern forces led by General Khalifa Haftar.

We assess that his sudden absence may stall these unification talks and could trigger internal power struggles within the western military factions as they vie to fill the leadership void. The timing, immediately following the reaffirmation of Turkish military support, highlights the strategic sensitivity of the situation.

Official Reactions

In Tripoli, Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah declared three days of national mourning. In a statement, he praised the deceased officers for their “sincerity and dedication” to the nation. The Turkish Ministry of Defense also issued a statement expressing condolences to the Libyan people and the families of the victims.

Sources

• Al Jazeera
• Anadolu Agency
• Turkish Ministry of Interior

This article summarizes reporting by Reuters and official statements from the Mexican Navy (SEMAR).

Five Dead in Mexican Navy Medical Evacuation Crash in Galveston Bay

A humanitarian mission to transport a pediatric burn patient to specialized care ended in tragedy on Monday afternoon when a Mexican Navy Military-Aircraft crashed into Galveston Bay, Texas. According to reporting by Reuters and official statements from the Mexican Navy (Secretaría de Marina, SEMAR), five people have been confirmed dead, including the young patient and a medical doctor. One service member remains missing and is presumed deceased, while two individuals survived the impact.

The crash occurred on December 22, 2025, at approximately 3:17 PM CST, as the aircraft approached Scholes International Airports. The flight, operated by the Mexican Navy, was coordinating with the Michou and Mau Foundation to transfer a child suffering from severe burns from Mérida, Mexico, to Shriners Children’s Texas hospital. Heavy fog was reported in the area at the time, significantly reducing visibility and complicating immediate rescue efforts.

At AirPro News, we are tracking the Investigation into this incident, which highlights the inherent risks of critical care air transport operations conducted under adverse weather conditions.

Incident Details and Flight Context

The aircraft involved was a Beechcraft Super King Air 350, bearing the registration ANX-1209. It departed from Mérida International Airport in Yucatán earlier that day. The flight path took the crew over the Gulf of Mexico, destined for Galveston, where specialized medical teams were waiting.

According to local authorities and eyewitness accounts cited in reports, the plane went down in waters approximately 4 to 5 feet deep, just west of the Galveston Causeway. This location is roughly 50 miles southeast of Houston. The weather conditions at the time of the accident were described as severe, with heavy sea fog limiting visibility to between a quarter and a half-mile.

Rescue Operations

Despite the challenging conditions, first responders and local civilians acted quickly. Reports indicate that a local yacht captain, Sky Decker, was among the first on the scene. Navigating through the dense fog with police officers, Decker reportedly entered the water to assist in the rescue. He described finding a female survivor trapped in the wreckage with minimal air space remaining.

The U.S. Coast Guard, Galveston Police, Galveston Fire Department, and the Texas Department of Public Safety launched a multi-agency response. While two survivors were pulled from the wreckage, the recovery operation for the remaining occupants transitioned into a grim search for the deceased.

Victims and Survivors

The Mexican Navy has released the identities of those on board. The casualty list includes both military personnel and civilians associated with the medical transfer.

Confirmed Fatalities

Five individuals have been confirmed dead following the crash:

• Federico Efraín Ramírez Cruz: The pediatric patient, identified in widespread reports as a 2-year-old boy, who was being transported for urgent burn care.
• Dr. Juan Alfonso Adame González: The attending medical doctor accompanying the patient.
• Lt. JG Víctor Rafael Pérez Hernández: A Mexican Navy pilot and officer.
• Lt. JG Juan Iván Zaragoza Flores: A Mexican Navy pilot and officer.
• Seaman Guadalupe Flores Barranco: A Mexican Navy crew member.

Missing and Presumed Deceased

As of the latest updates, Lt. JG Luis Enrique Castillo Terrones remains missing. Given the duration of the search and the condition of the wreckage, authorities have stated he is presumed dead.

Survivors

Two women survived the crash. Julia Aracelis Cruz Vera, identified as the patient’s companion and likely a family member, was rescued and reported to be uninjured. Miriam de Jesús Rosas Mancilla, a nurse, was hospitalized in stable condition.

Investigation and Official Statements

The investigation is being led by U.S. authorities, including the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), with the Mexican Navy conducting a parallel internal inquiry. Investigators are currently gathering data to determine the cause of the crash, with early attention focused on the heavy fog present during the approach.

In a statement, the Mexican Navy expressed deep regret over the loss of life. According to their official release:

“The aircraft was on a humanitarian mission focused on specialized medical transport.”

, Mexican Navy (SEMAR)

The Michou and Mau Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting Mexican children with severe burns, expressed their solidarity with the victims’ families. Shriners Children’s Texas also confirmed they had been expecting the patient but directed all further inquiries to military authorities.

AirPro News Analysis

The Risks of Medical Evacuation Flights

While the specific cause of the ANX-1209 crash remains under investigation, this tragedy underscores the high-stakes nature of air ambulance and medical evacuation flights. Unlike standard commercial operations, medical flights often operate under immense pressure to complete their missions due to the critical condition of the patients on board. This “mission mindset” can sometimes complicate decision-making regarding weather minimums and instrument approaches.

The Beechcraft Super King Air 350 is a robust platform widely used for government and medical transport duties globally. However, approach and landing phases in low-visibility maritime environments, such as the fog reported over Galveston Bay, remain statistically the most dangerous portions of any flight. As the NTSB reviews the cockpit voice recorder and flight data, a key focus will likely be on the crew’s decision-making process during the final approach into Scholes International Airport.

Frequently Asked Questions

What caused the crash?

The official cause has not yet been determined. However, heavy fog and low visibility were reported in the area at the time of the accident. The NTSB and FAA are investigating.

Who was on board the aircraft?

There were eight people on board: four Mexican Navy personnel and four civilians. The civilians included the patient, a family member, a doctor, and a nurse.

Was the patient admitted to the hospital?

Tragically, the patient, a young child, died in the crash before reaching the hospital.

Sources

• Reuters
• Mexican Navy (SEMAR)
• U.S. Coast Guard