09.25.21

Hoeven Statement After Air Force Awards $2.6 Billion Contract for B-52 Engine Replacement

Senator Worked to Advance Nuclear Modernization Efforts, Secured $512 Million for B-52 Upgrades in FY21

MINOT, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven issued the following statement after the U.S. Air Force awarded a $2.6 billion contract to Rolls Royce for the replacement of B-52 engines. As a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee, Hoeven helped to secure $512 million for modifications and upgrades to the B-52, including the new engine program in Fiscal Year 2021. 

“Minot Air Force Base’s B-52 mission plays a vital role in our nation’s defense and is a key component of our nuclear deterrent,” said Hoeven. “We’ve worked hard to provide resources to upgrade these aircrafts including replacing the engines. The awarding of this contract is an important milestone that shows the Air Force’s commitment to the B-52 for the next 20-30 years. We will continue working to ensure our nation has a credible nuclear deterrent for years to come.”

In addition to the funding for the B-52 engine replacement, Hoeven worked to secure funding to keep nuclear modernization efforts on schedule in Fiscal Year 2021, including: 

  • Long Range Stand Off Missile: $385.4 million for the LRSO missile to replace the aging ALCM carried on the B-52.
  • Ground Based Strategic Deterrent: $1.45 billion for the GBSD to replace the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).
  • Minuteman III Sustainment and Modernization: $590 million for maintenance, sustainment and continued incremental upgrades for the Minuteman III ICBM.
  • UH-1N Replacement: $194 million to purchase the first 8 MH-139 Grey Wolf helicopters to replace the Hueys.

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