GAO Flags Cost Overruns and Delays in US Air Force’s $21B B-52 Modernization Program The US Government Accountability Office (GAO) has warned that the US Air Force’s $21-billion B-52 Stratofortress modernization program is facing significant challenges, with 10 of its 13 planned upgrade efforts experiencing cost growth, schedule delays, and operational risks. The most pressing issue is the Commercial Engine Replacement Program (CERP), whose projected cost has climbed by $3 billion since 2023 to $15.4 billion while slipping 15 months behind schedule. The delays are placing additional strain on fleet maintenance as depots contend with shortages of spare parts for the aging Pratt & Whitney TF33 engines powering the current fleet. According to the GAO, prolonged engine modernization could create a capability gap and reduce the readiness of the Air Force’s 76 operational B-52 bombers. Although the Air Force intends to begin engine production before developmental flight testing is complete, the GAO cautioned that this approach increases the risk of expensive rework. The watchdog recommended postponing the production decision until risks are fully assessed. While the Air Force agreed with five of the GAO’s six recommendations—including enhanced digital engineering and updated maintenance planning—it only partially accepted the recommendation to delay CERP production.
