US Air Force launches B-52, B-1 readiness campaign to boost mission-capable rates

The U.S. Air Force has launched an initiative to increase the number of mission-capable B-52 Stratofortress and B-1 Lancer aircraft by accelerating parts delivery, engineering support, and depot maintenance.

The effort, known as the North Star Readiness Campaign, responds to the need to maintain the readiness and availability of the U.S. bomber force for global operations, according to a Tuesday release.

Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) launched the campaign alongside Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC) and the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) to bring together operators, acquisition and sustainment experts, and logistics partners.

“The North Star Readiness Campaign is our commitment to ensuring the warfighter has the nation’s bomber force ready to go at a moment’s notice,” said Gen. S.L. Davis, commander of AFGSC, in the release.

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“By modernizing these incredible platforms and ensuring our maintainers have the parts and support they need, we are sending a clear message to our adversaries and allies alike that the United States’ long-range penetrating strike capability is, and will remain, second to none.”

Key Objectives and Improvements

• Streamlined logistics: The collaboration between AFGSC, AFMC, and supply partners such as DLA is designed to break down logistical barriers and streamline the channel for parts, engineering support, and depot maintenance.
• Faster deliveries: The partnership can remove hurdles and speed up lateral shipments to arrive in two to three days—down from a week or more previously.
• Reduced part problems: Since the campaign began, the number of “mission-impacting part problems” dropped from more than 450 to around 160, allowing units to shift focus from immediate emergencies to backorders and emerging failure trends.

“Strengthening the supply chain and engineering support means maintenance is faster and less complex,” said Matt Miller, executive director of the Logistics and Engineering directorate, AFGSC. “It ensures these critical aircraft remain a credible strategic asset for decades to come.”

Focus on B-1 and B-52 Sustainment

The North Star Readiness Campaign intends to boost the B-1’s operational readiness through sustainment efforts that focus on expediting parts for critical structural and avionics components, while collaborating with AFMC and DLA to accelerate depot-level maintenance cycles.

A range of ongoing and new modernization programs, managed through the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition and AFMC, is unified through the campaign.

B-2 and B-21 Outlook

The announcement acknowledged that while the B-52 and B-1 are being upgraded to stay in service longer, the B-2 Spirit will be maintained for combat effectiveness until the B-21 Raider is fully operational.

By Cristina Stassis Cristina Stassis is a reporter covering the defense industry, national security, and military/veteran affairs. She previously worked as an editorial fellow for Defense News in 2024.