With an unlimited range made possible by aerial refueling and a significant carrying capacity for bombs and missiles, the B-52H Stratofortress is prepared to execute long-range global strikes at a moment's notice.

The long-range, jet-powered strategic heavy bomber is capable of flying at high subsonic speeds and altitudes of up to 15,166 meters.

The Stratofortress can perform a variety of missions, including strategic attack, close-air support, air interdiction and offensive counter-air and maritime operations, according to the Air Force.

It is undergoing a series of upgrades -- including a new engine, a new radar system, upgraded communications capabilities and a re-designed cockpit -- that are so significant that all of the B-52H bombers will be re-designated the B-52J once the overhaul is implemented.

As of January 2024, the Air Force operates 76 B-52H bombers.

Aerial refueling gives the B-52 a range limited only by the crew's endurance. Without it, the bomber still has an unrefueled combat range in excess of 14,080km.

Key to the success of the B-52 is US Air Force strategic aerial refueling aircraft such as the KC-135 Stratotanker or KC-46A Pegasus.

The Stratotanker, which can pump 90,700kg of fuel through a flying boom, has provided the core aerial refueling capability for the Air Force for more than 60 years.

The US Air Force has also greatly expanded its mission and operational capacity with the newer KC-46A. The Pegasus can carry 96,297kg of fuel and 29,483kg of cargo.

Overwhelming force

The B-52 Stratofortress remains a critical component of the US Air Force's strategic bombing capabilities with its 32,000kg payload.

It is capable of dropping or launching the widest array of weapons in the US inventory, according to the US Air Force. This includes gravity bombs, cluster bombs, precision guided missiles and joint direct attack munitions.

During the Vietnam War, the B-52D could deliver 84 226.8kg conventional bombs or 42 340.2kg bombs.

The current B-52H can carry the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM), a low-observable standoff air-launched cruise missile.

The original version of the JASSM has a range of 370km, while an extended range version, the JASSM-ER, has a range of approximately 1,000km.

That range allows the B-52 to strike targets from a significant distance, such as launching from the midpoint of the Red Sea to hit targets in Yemen.

Each B-52 Stratofortress can carry up to 12 JASSM-ERs on its wing pylons and another eight inside its bomb bay, for a total of 20.

With four B-52Hs, the US Air Force could deliver some 80 JASSM-ERs against targets.