Latest news with #B-52HStratofortress
Time of India
24-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
US to retire B2 bombers by 2030; What replaces them is even more dangerous. Meet the B-21 Raider, its next-gen stealth bomber
B-21 Raider: Next-Gen Stealth Bomber Live Events B‑2 Spirit: Long-Range Stealth Bomber B-1B Lancer: High-Speed Strike Aircraft B-52H Stratofortress: The Long-Serving Bomber Strategic Importance of the Bomber Fleet (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel The United States Air Force is upgrading its long-range strike power with the induction of the B-21 Raider , its next-generation stealth bomber . This marks a significant shift in U.S. air power as the B-21 joins legacy bombers like the B-2 Spirit B-1B Lancer , and B-52H Stratofortress , each of which remains active in global operations. Together, these aircraft form the backbone of U.S. strategic deterrence and long-range combat B-21 Raider is the newest addition to America's bomber fleet, developed by Northrop Grumman under the Long Range Strike Bomber (LRS-B) program. Its design aims to replace the older B-2 and B-52 bombers. The aircraft had its first flight in late 2023, and operational deployment is expected later this U.S. Air Force plans to procure at least 100 B-21 bombers, with the possibility of increasing the number to 200. The B-21 is designed to operate in contested environments, carry both nuclear and conventional weapons, and remain effective against evolving threats through its digital and open-systems 2Wingspan: 132 ftMax speed: Mach 0.8+Ceiling: 50,000 ftPayload: 20,000 lb in weapons bayArmament includes AGM-181 LRSO missiles and JDAM bombsThe B-2 Spirit remains a critical part of the U.S. Air Force's ability to strike distant, high-value targets. Developed by Northrop Grumman and partners, it uses stealth technology and a flying wing design to avoid radar detection. Its long range and ability to deliver nuclear or conventional weapons make it central to U.S. Operation Midnight Hammer, B-2s flew a 37-hour mission from Whiteman Air Force Base to Iran, striking nuclear targets using GBU-57 bunker-buster 2Wingspan: 172 ftMax takeoff weight: 336,500 lbPayload: 40,000 lbCeiling: 50,000 ftRange: IntercontinentalUnit cost: $1.157 billion (FY98 dollars)Inventory: 20 aircraft (1 test unit)The B-1B Lancer remains a key asset for delivering the largest conventional payload in the U.S. Air Force. Built by Boeing, the aircraft features variable-sweep wings and is powered by four afterburning turbofan engines. It is capable of low-level penetration at high subsonic to its radar, communications, and digital systems have kept the B-1B relevant for modern missions. It carries a mix of guided and unguided munitions, and its survivability is enhanced by electronic jamming systems, radar decoys, and countermeasure built for nuclear missions, the B-1B was converted to a conventional-only role by 4Wingspan: 137 ft (extended)Max speed: Mach 1.2Ceiling: 30,000+ ftPayload: 75,000 lbUnit cost: $317 millionInventory: 62 active, 2 test aircraftThe B-52H Stratofortress continues to serve in the U.S. Air Force more than 70 years after its first flight. Known for its durability and global range, the B-52 can deliver both nuclear and conventional weapons. It has participated in operations from Desert Storm to the fight against B-52s are fitted with advanced targeting pods and sensors, along with upgraded avionics and communication systems. Its long-range and large payload capacity allow it to conduct a wide range of missions, including maritime strike and air B-52H is expected to remain in service beyond 5Wingspan: 185 ftMax speed: Mach 0.84Ceiling: 50,000 ftPayload: 70,000 lbRange: 8,800 milesUnit cost: $84 millionInventory: 58 active, 4 test, 18 reserveThe U.S. Air Force maintains these four bombers to ensure a flexible, survivable, and long-range strike capability. While legacy aircraft continue to undergo upgrades to remain mission-ready, the B-21 Raider signals a generational shift in American air stated by the U.S. Air Force, these bombers ensure 'America's ability to conduct precise, sustained, and survivable global strike operations now and into the future.'
Miami Herald
19-06-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
U.S. Issues Security Warning for Biggest Middle East Base
The U.S. has issued a security warning for access to its largest air base in the Middle East at Doha in Qatar amid an intensifying conflict between Israel and Iran. Newsweek has contacted the Pentagon for comment. The warning, along with the redeployment of military assets in the region, signals the U.S. stepping up defense and readiness against possible threats from Iran or proxy regional groups ahead of a potential attack on Iran. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told a Senate committee on Wednesday that the U.S. military stands prepared to execute any decision President Donald Trump makes regarding Iran. "Out of an abundance of caution and in light of ongoing regional hostilities, the U.S. Embassy has advised its personnel to exercise increased vigilance and has temporarily restricted access to Al Udeid Air Base," the American embassy in Qatar said in a security alert on its website. "We recommend that U.S. citizens in Qatar take similar precautions," the statement added. The U.S. has its largest Middle East air base Al-Udeid, in Qatar which also hosts others U.S. military bases. Iran has previously threatened to attack U.S. targets in the region if it comes under attack by the U.S. or Israel. While on a high-profile visit to Qatar last month, Trump visited Al-Udeid base, where he addressed troops saying: "No visit in the Gulf would be complete without stopping to salute the people who keep America safe, strong and free." In 2024, the base was used by the U.S. for the deployment of the nuclear-capable B-52H Stratofortress bombers. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told a Senate hearing on Wednesday: "We know right now that Iran understands exactly what the president is saying. He said 60 days. The world can believe it, the world cannot believe it, but he said 60 days. they had an opportunity to make a deal, they should have made a deal. President Trump's word means something, the world understands that and at the Defense Department our job is to stand ready and prepared for options and that's precisely what we're doing." The big question is whether the United States gets involved directly by attacking Iran, which could then bring attacks on U.S. forces in the region. Related Articles Iran Starts Firing Heavier Missiles in Israel AttacksUS Ally Reveals Chinese Military Activity Near American BaseIsrael Katz Puts Iran's Khamenei on Notice, IDF to Intensify Strikes-Live UpdatesPhotos Show Where US and China Have Sent Hospital Ships 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
19-06-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
U.S. Issues Security Warning for Biggest Middle East Base
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The U.S. has issued a security warning for access to its largest air base in the Middle East at Doha in Qatar amid an intensifying conflict between Israel and Iran. Newsweek has contacted the Pentagon for comment. Why It Matters The warning, along with the redeployment of military assets in the region, signals the U.S. stepping up defense and readiness against possible threats from Iran or proxy regional groups ahead of a potential attack on Iran. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told a Senate committee on Wednesday that the U.S. military stands prepared to execute any decision President Donald Trump makes regarding Iran. In this handout photo from the U.S. Air Force, an airman guides an F-16 Fighting Falcon during training at Al-Udeid Air Base, Qatar, Jan. 24, 2022. In this handout photo from the U.S. Air Force, an airman guides an F-16 Fighting Falcon during training at Al-Udeid Air Base, Qatar, Jan. 24, 2022. U.S. Air Force/Capt. Mahalia Frost/AP What To Know "Out of an abundance of caution and in light of ongoing regional hostilities, the U.S. Embassy has advised its personnel to exercise increased vigilance and has temporarily restricted access to Al Udeid Air Base," the American embassy in Qatar said in a security alert on its website. "We recommend that U.S. citizens in Qatar take similar precautions," the statement added. The U.S. has its largest Middle East air base Al-Udeid, in Qatar which also hosts others U.S. military bases. Iran has previously threatened to attack U.S. targets in the region if it comes under attack by the U.S. or Israel. While on a high-profile visit to Qatar last month, Trump visited Al-Udeid base, where he addressed troops saying: "No visit in the Gulf would be complete without stopping to salute the people who keep America safe, strong and free." In 2024, the base was used by the U.S. for the deployment of the nuclear-capable B-52H Stratofortress bombers. What People Are Saying U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told a Senate hearing on Wednesday: "We know right now that Iran understands exactly what the president is saying. He said 60 days. The world can believe it, the world cannot believe it, but he said 60 days. they had an opportunity to make a deal, they should have made a deal. President Trump's word means something, the world understands that and at the Defense Department our job is to stand ready and prepared for options and that's precisely what we're doing." What Happens Next The big question is whether the United States gets involved directly by attacking Iran, which could then bring attacks on U.S. forces in the region.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
WATCH: Air Force demonstration over Miami Beach
MIAMI BEACH, Fla. (WFLA) — Air Force fighter and bomber jets took to the skies over Miami Beach in the ninth annual Hyundai Air & Sea Show. The event took place on May 24 and May 25 and brought together all six branches of the military for choreographed demonstrations. The formation in the video was showcased the Air Force Global Strike Command and had never been seen before Saturday. The jets were led by the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber and included a B-1B Lancer, B-52H Stratofortress, F-22 Raptor, F-15C Eagle, F-16C Fighting Falcon, and an A-10 Thunderbolt II. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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First Post
26-05-2025
- Politics
- First Post
After Diego Garcia, US deploys warplanes in Guam to beef up Indo-Pacific presence
After Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, the United States has deployed heavy, nuclear-capable bombers in Guam to beef up the military presence in the Indo-Pacific region. read more A B-52 Stratofortress assigned to the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, takes off at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, on April 14, 2023. (Representative Photo, Credit: US Air Force) In what appears to be part of a gradual build-up in the Indo-Pacific region, the United States has now deployed bombers in Guam after deploying more warplanes in Diego Garcia earlier this month. The deployment in Guam comes after the United States deployed B-1B bombers for the first time in Japan last month. While Guam in the western Pacific Ocean is part of the 'second island chain' strategy of the United States to contain China, Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean is critical to operations in Central Command, Africa Command, and European Command. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD US beefs up Inco-Pacific presence with bombers in Guam The US Air Force 2nd Bomb Wing, which operates B-52H Stratofortress long-range, heavy bombers, appears to have deployed an unspecified number of aircraft in Guam. A video cited by Newsweek shows the unit's bombers undergoing maintenance and post-flight inspections at the Andersen Air Force Base in Guam on May 22. The B-52H bombers have a stated range of 8,800 miles and can carry up to 70,000 pounds of payload. They are also capable of carrying nuclear warheads. These aircraft are said to have 'worldwide precision navigation capability' and have a top speed of 650 miles per hour. The news of B-52H's deployment in Guam comes after the United States increased the strength at the Diego Garcia base in the wake of ongoing tense nuclear negotiations with Iran. In March, The War Zone reported that six B-2 bombers were deployed in Diego Garcia and the total number at one point reached 10 — an unusually large number in what was deemed as power projection amid rising international tensions. Even as the B-2s left Diego Garcia, the United States increased the deployment of F-15 fighter planes at the base, according to TWZ. In two tranches, TWZ has reported that the United States has deployed six F-15s in Diego Garcia to provide protection to the base and bombers stationed there. Since the October 7 attack, the base has been used to strike Yemen-based Houthis who have terrorised the Red Sea.
