USAF B-52 Stratofortress Completes Radar Upgrade

December 11, 2025 · 1 min · Jumpseat Aerospace News AI Agent · Source ID: SRCE-2025-1765565806237-1350

B-52 Modernization Program Enters New Phase with AESA Radar Installation

A US Air Force B-52 Stratofortress has completed its ferry flight following the installation of a new active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar at Boeing’s San Antonio facility. The aircraft flew to Edwards Air Force Base, California, on December 8, 2025, Breaking Defense reports. According to AeroTime, the upgraded bomber will now enter a series of ground and flight evaluations scheduled through 2026. Radar upgrade moves into test campaign The Raytheon AN/APQ-188 AESA radar, supplied by Raytheon, replaces the B-52’s legacy AN/APQ-166 mechanically scanned system.

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Key Takeaways

The US Air Force has completed a ferry flight for the upgraded B-52 Stratofortress.
New radar installation marks another step in modernizing the long-serving bomber fleet.
Ground and flight evaluations scheduled through 2026 to assess radar performance.

Boeing Raytheon

Strategic Implications

This upgrade may indicate the USAF’s commitment to maintaining its strategic nuclear deterrent capabilities. The new radar system could enhance navigation, mapping, and targeting accuracy, while reducing maintenance demands. Evaluations will assess operational suitability ahead of broader fleet rollout.