# US Air Force B-52 bomber modernization and readiness > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-air-force-b-52-bomber-modernization-and-readiness > Updated: 2026-09-24T22:13:54.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. The United States Air Force has initiated efforts to bolster the readiness and technological capabilities of its B-52 Stratofortress bomber fleet. Initially, the Air Force Global Strike Command increased the number of operationally available B-52 bombers by nearly 40% through a new readiness campaign. This move aims to maintain long-range strike capacity and strategic deterrence, particularly as the service continues to rely on the aging fleet due to delays in the B-21 program. Following this increase in availability, the Air Force launched a $17 million competitive program to upgrade the aircraft’s protected satellite communications (SATCOM). This modernization effort, involving three industry teams, focuses on integrating Extremely High Frequency (EHF) satellite communications to ensure secure command links for conventional and nuclear missions in contested environments. These upgrades are intended to support the B-52’s operational role through the 2050s. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-24: U.S. Air Force launches $17M SATCOM upgrade for B-52 bombers The U.S. Air Force has initiated a $17 million program to upgrade B-52 Stratofortress satellite communications, ensuring secure global command links for strategic missions through the 2050s. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-air-force-launches-17m-satcom-upgrade-for-b-52-bombers ### 2026-09-19: US Air Force increases B-52 bomber availability by 40% The US Air Force has increased B-52 Stratofortress availability by nearly 40% to bolster long-range strike capacity and strategic deterrence amid delays in newer bomber programs. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-air-force-increases-b-52-bomber-availability-by-40 --- Cite as: US Air Force B-52 bomber modernization and readiness. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-air-force-b-52-bomber-modernization-and-readiness