The Air Force has entered into a contractual arrangement with Boeing for the company to sustain and modernize the B-52 bomber fleet over the next eight years. This “indefinite delivery/ indefinite quantity” contract is capped at $11.9 billion, with the actual value dependant upon the tasks that USAF assigns over that span. No funds have been allocated yet, but the contract enables the Air Force to directly commission studies and work as needed. Boeing spokeswoman Jennifer Hogan told the Daily Report Thursday that the company has had similar IDIQ contracts in the past for B-52 sustainment, but not for modernization activities. She said the company anticipates being tasked to begin production and integration of the B-52’s Combat Network Communications Technology connectivity suite as part of this contract as well as study replacement options for the B-52’s current radar. (Boeing release)
Amid NATO’s continued push to ramp up air defenses in Eastern Europe, Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall swung by seven allied countries to boost relations last week, including those on Russia’s and Ukraine’s doorstep.