Radar systems on the Air Force’s B-1B—originally built by Northrop Grumman in the 1980s—will be now be replaced and sustained by Northrop, according to a company press release. The Air Force awarded Northrop an $18.9 million contract for “radar system components and parts for total system sustainment capability in support of long-term B-1 life cycle requirements.” Northrop says the offensive radar system, known as AN/APQ-164, provides target detection, location, tracking, and accurate weapon delivery capability.
The Air Force conducted its first test of a Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile in 2026 on March 3, launching an unarmed missile from Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., equipped with two test reentry vehicles at 11:01 p.m. Pacific Time.