The B-52 Stratofortress combined with the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) enables the US Air Force to hit targets deep within enemy territory anywhere in the world.

The B-52, a cornerstone of American airpower since its introduction in the 1950s, remains a vital symbol of the United States' resolve and strategic might.

With a legacy of almost 75 years of service, the B-52 remains one of the most versatile heavy bombers ever made, offering superior nuclear and conventional strike capabilities.

With a combat range of 14,200km, the B-52 can fly indefinitely with aerial refueling.

A B-52 is equipped to carry approximately 31,500kg of mixed ordnance and can drop or launch a wider array of weapons than can any other aircraft in the US Air Force.

Among those is the powerful AGM-158 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM), a low-observable, air-launched cruise missile with a range of 560km.

A single B-52 can carry up to 20 of the deadly missiles, which means a formation of four B-52s could unleash 80 precision-guided munitions against high-value targets deep within enemy territory.

JASSM: weapon of choice

The AGM-158 JASSM is a state-of-the-art stealth weapon, equipped with a 450kg armor-piercing warhead.

The JASSM has proven its long-range, precision engagement capabilities for over 20 years. Its low-observable design and advanced navigation systems make it nearly impervious to detection and interception, earning its reputation as the US Air Force's go-to weapon for precision strikes.

The JASSM can be used to strike a wide range of targets, including command-and-control centers, air defense systems, communication facilities and high-value infrastructure targets such as power plants and bridges.

An extended range version with an upgraded engine and increased fuel capacity -- the JASSM-ER -- has a range more than twice as far, or 920km.

An anti-ship version of the extended range JASSM-ER, the Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM), has the capacity to target ships.

The LRASM can be guided by its launch aircraft to enemy ships as far as 200 nautical miles (370km) away.

The LRASM incorporates a new weapon data-link and altimeter and an uprated power system, and can be directed to attack enemy ships by its launch platform, receive updates via a two-way datalink or use onboard sensors to find its target.

A formation of four B-52s armed with LRASMs could devastate enemy fleets, with each bomber capable of carrying enough missiles to neutralize dozens of surface ships.