American defense contractor Northrop Grumman has been awarded a $7 million contract by the US Department of Defense for the modification and sustainment of B-2 bomber aircraft. This announcement was made in a press release from the Pentagon. The contract includes not only the modernization of the B-2, but also logistic support, engineering support, program support, and critical maintenance services. The work will take place at military bases in California, Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Utah, and is expected to be finished by May 3, 2029.

Previously, Northrop Grumman began production of the B-21 Raider stealth bomber, which has smaller capabilities. The military plans to deploy at least 100 B-21 bombers, with the first one set to be delivered in the mid-2020s. These bombers are expected to eventually replace the aging B-1B Lancer and B-2 Spirit aircraft by the 2030s.

In addition to the military’s plans for future force, the US will equip the newly upgraded B-52J Stratofortress bombers with 76 modernized B-2s, along with the B-21 Raider.