Latest news with #B-52H
Miami Herald
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Trump Eyes ‘New Golden Age' for US Nuclear Umbrella on China's Doorstep
The United States aims to pursue a "new golden age" in its relationship with Japan as the two countries recently discussed America's extended deterrence—commonly known as the nuclear umbrella—amid China's military buildup, a State Department official told Newsweek. Newsweek has contacted the Chinese defense and foreign ministries for comment by email. The U.S. has committed to defending Japan through extended deterrence, which refers to the pledge to deter and respond to nuclear and non-nuclear threats against allies and partners, including, if necessary, through the use of nuclear weapons. Over 30 countries are protected by America's nuclear umbrella, a recent Congressional Research Service (CRS) report stated. According to the Pentagon, China continues its rapid nuclear expansion and is estimated to possess over 600 warheads in its nuclear arsenal—making it the third largest in the world. The Chinese military has significantly expanded its medium-range ballistic missile fleet, which is capable of striking Japan as well as U.S. military bases located there. The Extended Deterrence Dialogue was held from June 5-6 at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana, the U.S. State Department and the Japanese Foreign Ministry said on Monday. The bilateral dialogue was hosted by the U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command. The U.S. side was represented by officials from the State Department and the Pentagon, while the Japanese delegation included officials from Japan's foreign and defense ministries, as well as the Japanese Embassy in Washington, D.C., according to the command. Established in 2010, the bilateral discussion allows both governments to address strategic deterrence, including nuclear and missile defense policy, Japan's foreign ministry said. "Our tailored dialogues with allies in the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific have become deeper and broader," the U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command told Newsweek, adding that these efforts strengthen allied understanding of U.S. nuclear deterrence posture and capabilities. This iteration, which was the first held under the second Trump administration, included a visit to the U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command's training facilities. Officially released photos show the Japanese delegation taking a close look at America's B-52H strategic bomber fleet. The U.S. Air Force operates 76 B-52H bombers, according to the Federation of American Scientists, 46 of which are capable of carrying nuclear cruise missiles. This type of bomber was deployed to Guam—a U.S. military hub in the western Pacific Ocean—last month. Since 2022, this dialogue between Washington and Tokyo has taken place at key locations of the U.S. nuclear triad, which comprises strategic bombers, ballistic missile submarines, and intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), the U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command added. Last year, American and Japanese officials met at Francis E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming, where the Japanese delegation visited the U.S. intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) mission. The base operates Minuteman III ICBMs on full alert around the clock. A U.S. State Department official told Newsweek: "This [Extended Deterrence Dialogue] advanced President Trump's determination to pursue a new golden age for U.S.-Japan relations and to further enhance U.S. extended deterrence." The U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command told Newsweek: "The United States does not face the challenging international environment alone. Our network of allies and partners in the Euro-Atlantic and the Indo-Pacific is an asymmetric advantage that our adversaries can never hope to match." The U.S. is also likely to enhance its extended deterrence to South Korea—another treaty ally in Northeast Asia—in order to better counter North Korea's nuclear and missile threats. Related Articles With Israel Strike, Mark Levin Wins MAGA Battle Over Trump's Iran PolicyIran's Revolutionary Guard Chief Killed in Israel Strike, State Media SaysIsrael Strikes Iran, Warns of Imminent AttackUS Embassy in Middle East Prepares to Evacuate After Warning From Iran 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Trump Eyes 'New Golden Age' for US Nuclear Umbrella on China's Doorstep
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 United States aims to pursue a "new golden age" in its relationship with Japan as the two countries recently discussed America's extended deterrence—commonly known as the nuclear umbrella—amid China's military buildup, a State Department official told Newsweek. Newsweek has contacted the Chinese defense and foreign ministries for comment by email. Why It Matters The U.S. has committed to defending Japan through extended deterrence, which refers to the pledge to deter and respond to nuclear and non-nuclear threats against allies and partners, including, if necessary, through the use of nuclear weapons. Over 30 countries are protected by America's nuclear umbrella, a recent Congressional Research Service (CRS) report stated. According to the Pentagon, China continues its rapid nuclear expansion and is estimated to possess over 600 warheads in its nuclear arsenal—making it the third largest in the world. The Chinese military has significantly expanded its medium-range ballistic missile fleet, which is capable of striking Japan as well as U.S. military bases located there. What To Know The Extended Deterrence Dialogue was held from June 5-6 at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana, the U.S. State Department and the Japanese Foreign Ministry said on Monday. The bilateral dialogue was hosted by the U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command. The U.S. side was represented by officials from the State Department and the Pentagon, while the Japanese delegation included officials from Japan's foreign and defense ministries, as well as the Japanese Embassy in Washington, D.C., according to the command. Established in 2010, the bilateral discussion allows both governments to address strategic deterrence, including nuclear and missile defense policy, Japan's foreign ministry said. "Our tailored dialogues with allies in the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific have become deeper and broader," the U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command told Newsweek, adding that these efforts strengthen allied understanding of U.S. nuclear deterrence posture and capabilities. This iteration, which was the first held under the second Trump administration, included a visit to the U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command's training facilities. Officially released photos show the Japanese delegation taking a close look at America's B-52H strategic bomber fleet. The U.S. Air Force operates 76 B-52H bombers, according to the Federation of American Scientists, 46 of which are capable of carrying nuclear cruise missiles. This type of bomber was deployed to Guam—a U.S. military hub in the western Pacific Ocean—last month. The United States hosted Japan for an Extended Deterrence Dialogue (EDD) at Barksdale Air Force Base in Shreveport, Louisiana on June 5-6, 2025. — U/S of State for Arms Control & Int'l Security (@UnderSecT) June 9, 2025 Since 2022, this dialogue between Washington and Tokyo has taken place at key locations of the U.S. nuclear triad, which comprises strategic bombers, ballistic missile submarines, and intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), the U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command added. Last year, American and Japanese officials met at Francis E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming, where the Japanese delegation visited the U.S. intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) mission. The base operates Minuteman III ICBMs on full alert around the clock. What People Are Saying A U.S. State Department official told Newsweek: "This [Extended Deterrence Dialogue] advanced President Trump's determination to pursue a new golden age for U.S.-Japan relations and to further enhance U.S. extended deterrence." The U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command told Newsweek: "The United States does not face the challenging international environment alone. Our network of allies and partners in the Euro-Atlantic and the Indo-Pacific is an asymmetric advantage that our adversaries can never hope to match." What Happens Next? The U.S. is also likely to enhance its extended deterrence to South Korea—another treaty ally in Northeast Asia—in order to better counter North Korea's nuclear and missile threats.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
These Air Force fighters and bombers just flew together for the first time
Attendees at a recent Miami airshow witnessed an unprecedented 'Freedom Flyover' of three types of Air Force bombers and four types of fighters that had never been seen flying together before, said Charles Hoffman, a spokesman for Air Force Global Strike Command. 'It's not just about fighters and bombers,' Hoffman told Task & Purpose. 'It's about an integrated team of professionals coming together across the total force to illustrate the readiness and resolve of the active duty, Guard and Reserve force any time…anywhere.' The 2025 Hyundai Air & Sea Show on Saturday marked the first time that a B-52H, B-1B, B-2, F-22. F-15C, F-16C, and A-10 have flown in a formation, Hoffman said. 'We have done a few tri-bomber flyovers, and the command wanted to do something special and unique to honor the fallen for Memorial Day at the Miami Air Show,' Hoffman said. The reason that an F-35A Joint Strike Fighter was not part of the formation is that none were available at the time, Hoffman said. Each of the aircraft showcased different capabilities that the Air Force brings to the fight, Hoffman said. The B-2 is designed to penetrate advanced enemy air defenses, and both the B-52 and B-1 are able to attack targets from a distance with standoff weapons, he said. 'The fighters represent the ability to get global strike to and from anywhere … anytime and maintain air superiority and persistent tactical ground attack,' Hoffman said. The airmen had to show tremendous skill to fly the seven aircraft in a single formation, especially since the fighters are designed to fly much faster than the bombers, he said. The display of airpower comes after a recent 'elephant walk' of 53 Air Force and Navy aircraft along with Army missile batteries at Kadena Air Base, Japan. As Task & Purpose previously reported, that elephant walk contained just about every airframe needed for a fight in the Pacific — and was likely put on with China in mind. Task & Purpose asked Hoffman if the Air Force was sending a message to China with the Freedom Flyover's unique combination of fighters and bombers. 'The flyover served to honor the fallen for Memorial Day and simultaneously illustrated the Air Force's ability to project power, communicate resolve, and provide options in times of crisis,' Hoffman replied. Still, the formation's first-ever combination of bombers and fighters demonstrated that the Air Force is 'not to be trifled with,' said retired Air Force Col. Mark Gunzinger, a former B-52 instructor pilot and flight evaluator. 'Did it send a signal to our nation's enemies, including China? Absolutely,' said Gunzinger, who previously served as deputy assistant secretary of defense for forces transformation and resources. Gunzinger noted that the planes that took part in the Miami airshow were flown by both active-duty troops and reservists. 'China is rolling out a lot of new kit, but a key point is their airmen lack the decades of combat experience our airmen have, and that can make the difference between victory and failure in war,' said Gunzinger, who is currently the director of future concepts and capability assessments at the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies. However, Gunzinger added that the planes that flew at the Miami airshow were designed decades ago. The B-52, for example, first flew in 1952, just five years after the Air Force became an independent military branch. 'We have the combat edge in terms of experience,' Gunzinger said. 'We have the best airmen in the world, but we must increase our advantage over China by providing our airmen with new kit, because we don't want to engage in a fair fight. We want to dominate, and that will only occur if we modernize our Air Force.' 18 Army Rangers suspended for allegedly firing blanks at Florida beach Hegseth announces accountability review of Afghanistan withdrawal Coast Guard rescue swimmers saved a worker stuck in hardening concrete after roof collapse This National Guard unit went completely analog to simulate a cyber attack Fewer reenlistment options for soldiers amid high Army retention
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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.
Newsweek
26-05-2025
- General
- Newsweek
US Sends New Bombers to Frontline Air Base in West Pacific
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 United States appears to have rotated its bomber fleet to the Western Pacific Ocean by deploying aircraft to Guam, a strategic hub that serves as a staging area for projecting power. Newsweek has reached out to the U.S. Pacific Air Forces for further comment by email. Why It Matters The U.S. often deploys its bombers—consisting of the B-1B Lancer, B-2 Spirit, and B-52H Stratofortress—at bases in the Indo-Pacific region for Bomber Task Force (BTF) missions, including Guam, its westernmost territory in the Pacific Ocean, a Newsweek map shows. Guam serves as the center of the Second Island Chain under the U.S. containment strategy, which seeks to keep adversaries' forces in check. The island also hosts Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps bases that sustain and maintain the American military presence in the region. What To Know The U.S. Air Force 2nd Bomb Wing—a B-52H Stratofortress bomber unit headquartered at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana—released a video on Saturday indicating that an unspecified number of bombers have been deployed to Andersen Air Force Base in Guam. The video shows a bomber undergoing maintenance and post-flight inspections at the air base on May 22, with its caption stating that BTF missions provide opportunities to train and work with U.S. allies and partners across different combatant command areas of operations. The B-52H bomber is capable of carrying up to 70,000 pounds of nuclear or conventional weapons and features "worldwide precision navigation capability." It has a stated range of 8,800 miles and a top speed of 650 miles per hour, according to a U.S. Air Force fact sheet. This marked the third BTF deployment in the Western Pacific Ocean this year, according to the map created by Newsweek. The last mission saw four B-1B bombers deploy to Misawa Air Base in Japan in mid-April, returning to the U.S. in two flights on May 9 and May 12. A United States Air Force B-52H bomber arrives at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam after completing a Bomber Task Force mission on April 29, 2024. A United States Air Force B-52H bomber arrives at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam after completing a Bomber Task Force mission on April 29, 2024. Tech. Sgt. Eric Summers Jr./U.S. Air Force The map also shows that Andersen Air Force Base hosted another BTF deployment from mid-January to early March, involving a separate group of four B-1B bombers. These bombers are not nuclear-capable and carry up to 75,000 pounds of conventional weapons. It was not clear how long the B-52H bombers will be deployed in Guam. The U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command, responsible for America's bomber force, previously told Newsweek that it is ready to conduct BTF missions "anyplace, anytime, and for any duration required." What People Are Saying The U.S. Air Force 2nd Bomb Wing said: "Bomber Task Force missions demonstrate the credibility of our forces to address a global security environment that is more diverse and uncertain than any other time in recent history." The U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command previously told Newsweek: "Our command is committed to working with U.S. allies and partners to deter aggression in the Indo-Pacific; those allies and partners provide an asymmetric advantage that our adversaries can never hope to match." The U.S. Pacific Air Forces previously told Newsweek: "The U.S. Air Force routinely deploys a variety of aircraft and units throughout the Indo-Pacific area of operations in support of geographic combatant command objectives and training." What Happens Next It remains to be seen when the Guam-based B-52H bombers will execute their first mission since arriving on the Western Pacific island, where tensions remain high in the South China Sea, across the Taiwan Strait, and on the Korean Peninsula.
