Northrop Grumman can now begin developing a new satellite communication system for the B-2 bomber that it says will enable the stealth bomber to “send and receive battlefield information up to 100 times faster than today.” A company statement says the Air Force approved the development plan, leading the way to system development and demonstration for the first increment in the modernization program, the Lockheed Martin-developed single, integrated processing unit to replace the bomber’s current flight management computers.
The Air Force is requesting about $141 million for initial enlistment bonuses in its fiscal 2026 budget, while Space Force wants $13 million.