The U.S. Air Force has begun to test upgrades for Northrop Grumman-built B-2 stealth bombers that include new sensors, software, electronics and radar technology, Scout Warrior reported Monday.
Kris Osborn writes the B-2 defensive management system has been updated to help sustain the bomber’s stealth functions and increase defense against new threats.
Capt. Michael Hertzog, an Air Force spokesman, told Scout Warrior the DMS-M system will work to support B-2’s capacity to counter 21st century threats.
The report said the DMS-M program obtained authorization last year to move into the engineering manufacturing and development phase of the acquisition process.
Hertzog added three aircraft will be updated to complete the EMD phase and the program is scheduled to enter full rate production in 2019, according to the report.
The service branch expects to spend nearly $1.84 billion to build four B-2 DMS-M units and looks to invest $832 million to procure an additional 16 units, Osborn wrote.
The Air Force will fly B-2 aircraft alongside the B-21 Raider stealth bomber, which is scheduled to enter service by the mid-2020s.
