Deputy Admiral Richard Corell recently said that the planned upgrades to the US Air Force's B-52 strategic bomber would "turn it into a completely new aircraft".
Speaking to the Senate Military Commission, Mr. Correll emphasized that upgrading the B-52 is a "weak advantage" to maintain strategic deterrence, as this model was produced 70 years ago.
According to the Vice Admiral, the most typical new equipment of the B-52 is the new Rolls-Royce engine with an improved radar system.
In addition to the B-52 becoming a completely new aircraft thanks to the above upgrades, Mr. Corell affirmed that it will also significantly improve combat readiness.
However, according to the US Government Audit Office (GAO), the upgrade program will be delayed until 2030 - about three years behind schedule.
GAO said the B-52 radar modernization program is struggling due to problematic environmental standards, component and software supply.
Meanwhile, the B-52 Commercial Engine Replacement Program has also been delayed because the Air Force "calculated a lack of funding" for the engine design. It is expected that this program will only reach initial operational capacity around 2033.
US Air Force officials are concerned about the cost and progress of the modernization plan, as the size of the air force is shrinking.
However, the US Air Force still has hope with the development program of the new B-21 Raider bomber.
Mr. Corell praised the B-21 as "one of the most successful procurement projects today" and agreed with his predecessor's view that the Air Force needed more than 100 units as originally planned, specifically about 140-150 units.
The US Air Force is expected to receive the first B-21 Raider aircraft for operation next year.
