Air Force Awards Lockheed Martin $56M for B-2 Bomber Upgrades

Defense contractor receives six-year contract to enhance stealth bomber’s electronic countermeasure systems

The U.S. Air Force has awarded Lockheed Martin a $56.4 million contract to upgrade electronic countermeasure receivers on the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber fleet, the Department of War announced Tuesday.

The firm-fixed-price contract, officially granted Sept. 2, covers countermeasure receiver improvements designed to strengthen the bomber’s ability to operate in contested airspace against advanced air defense systems. Work will be performed primarily at Lockheed Martin’s facility in Owego, New York.

The six-year program carries no option periods and is scheduled for completion by Aug. 31, 2031. Performance is expected to begin at the end of September, according to Defense Logistics Agency Aviation in Oklahoma City, which manages the contract on behalf of the Air Force.

“This is another major win for Lockheed Martin Owego, and a significant investment in the safety and effectiveness of our B-2 fleet,” said Congressman Nick Langworth. “I am proud to see the hard-working men and women right here in my district ensure the continued success of the B-2 stealth bomber, one of the most cutting-edge aircraft in our nation’s arsenal.”

The contract addresses the need to modernize the B-2’s electronic warfare capabilities as adversaries develop more sophisticated radar systems capable of tracking stealth aircraft. While the bomber’s stealth characteristics make detection difficult, modern air defense networks increasingly use advanced technologies and broader frequency spectrums to identify low-observable aircraft.

Lockheed Martin brings extensive electronic warfare expertise to the program, having developed more than 3,000 airborne electronic warfare systems over 45 years. The company currently produces several military electronic countermeasure systems, including the AN/ALQ-210 for Navy MH-60R helicopters, the AN/ALQ-217 for Navy E-2C/D aircraft, the AN/APR-48B for Army Apache helicopters, and the APR-52 Digital radar warning receiver for Air Force Combat Rescue Helicopters.

The company previously worked on B-2 modernization efforts, developing an integrated processing unit for the aircraft’s computer systems and supporting Electronic Support Measures upgrades.

Northrop Grumman, the B-2’s original manufacturer, faced difficulties fulfilling upgrade programs between 2018 and 2020, positioning Lockheed Martin favorably for subsequent contracts. Northrop Grumman currently focuses on final testing of the B-21 Raider, the Air Force’s next-generation stealth bomber, while ramping up production for additional test aircraft.

The B-2 upgrade program aims to maintain the bomber’s strategic value until the B-21 Raider becomes fully operational. Enhanced electronic warfare systems will improve the B-2’s survivability and situational awareness against evolving air defense threats.

Lockheed Martin’s selection reflects its track record in electronic warfare avionics upgrades and successful B-2 enhancement programs. The company employs technology-neutral systems integration, combining proprietary products with other defense contractors’ systems to create comprehensive solutions.

The upgrade represents part of broader Air Force efforts to modernize aging aircraft platforms while transitioning to next-generation systems. Electronic countermeasure improvements provide critical defensive capabilities for aircraft operating in increasingly contested environments worldwide.