US Strategic Command (STRATCOM) is prepared at any moment to deploy its fleet of strategic bombers from around the globe in order to deliver decisive results when called upon.

STRATCOM has under its command a host of nuclear weapons known as the US nuclear triad, which includes ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs), land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and land-based long-range bombers.

The nuclear triad's bomber fleet is the most flexible leg of the triad, capable of providing massive nuclear and conventional firepower in a short time anywhere on the globe.

According to public estimates based upon defense sources, Air Force Global Strike Command (GSC), the US Air Force's contribution to STRATCOM, has about 140 active long-range bombers, including 58 B-52H Stratofortresses, 20 B-2A Spirit aircraft and 60 B-1 Lancers.

GSC relies on Bomber Task Force (BTF) missions to demonstrate the credibility of US forces in maintaining security in all regions of the world.

The BTF deployment model has evolved over the years as a means to deploy a tailor-built task force of bombers in a Geographic Combatant Command (GCC) -- such as US Central Command (CENTCOM) or US European Command (EUCOM) -- to serve each commander's unique priorities.

Missions typically see US bombers deployed at various locations abroad for a period of time, and "are long-planned and deliberate by nature to best meet GCC commander requirements".

In the past, US bombers maintained a continual presence at forward bases. Since the start of the BTF model, US bombers have landed elsewhere for the first time in Norway, Poland and Indonesia, among other countries.

The BTF is a strategic mission that has been undertaken since 2018 to help develop the ability to operate from unfamiliar locations and integrate with allies and partner nations.

"The Bomber Task Force is designed to enhance the high-end readiness of the bomber force while also advancing our interoperability with allies and partners," Lt. Col. Jared Patterson, 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron commander, said in July following the deployment of B-52 bombers to Guam.

"Each mission flown further demonstrates our ability to provide agile combat ready forces and long-range strike capabilities to combatant commanders around the globe," he said.

Long-range strike capabilities

The B-52, B-2 and B-1B have long conducted missions worldwide in support of US objectives, including in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The B-52 can perform a variety of missions, including strategic attack, close-air support, air interdiction and offensive counter-air and maritime operations. It has an unrefueled combat range in excess of 14,080km.

Two of the key capabilities of the B-52 are its speed and altitude. The B-52 is capable of flying at high altitudes, more than 15,000 meters, which makes it difficult for most ground-based air defense systems to track and engage.

Additionally, the B-52 can fly at high speeds, more than 1,000km per hour, which allows it to quickly penetrate enemy airspace and minimize its exposure to air defense systems.

The B-2 Spirit is a stealth bomber designed to penetrate dense anti-aircraft defenses and is capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear munitions.

The B-2's low observability is derived from a combination of reduced infrared, acoustic, electromagnetic and visual and radar signatures. These signatures make it difficult for sophisticated defensive systems to detect, track and engage the B-2.

The bomber's composite materials, special coatings and flying-wing design all contribute to its "stealthiness".

Undetected, the B-2 can destroy high-value, and even heavily defended, targets deep in enemy territory with little to no warning.

The B-2's stealth means it does not need as many supporting aircraft as other bombers do for air cover, Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses and electronic countermeasures, making the bomber a "force multiplier".

It can perform ultra-high-altitude attack missions at up to 15,000 meters, has an unrefueled range of more than 11,000km and can fly more than 19,000km with one midair refueling.

In December, the United States unveiled its newest nuclear stealth bomber, the B-21 Raider, which will eventually replace the Air Force's B-2 and B1B strategic bombers.

The B-1B Lancer's speed, superior handling and huge payload allow it to seamlessly integrate in mixed force packages and make it a key element of any joint strike force.

It features a blended wing/body configuration, variable-geometry wings and turbofan afterburning engines that combine to provide long range, maneuverability and high speed while enhancing survivability, according to a US Air Force fact sheet.

The Lancer can carry a payload of 75,000lb (34,019kg) and reach a maximum speed of 900-plus mph (>1,448km per hour or Mach 1.2 at sea level).

It can carry up to 84 500lb (227.8kg) Mk-82 or 24 2,000lb (907.2kg) Mk-84 general purpose bombs; 24 2,000lb GBU-31 or 15 500lb GBU-38 Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs); or 24 AGM-158A Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles (JASSMs), among other munitions.