The United States' Bomber Task Force (BTF) is a highly accurate and lethal component of global military operations.

The United States on March 15 announced a new military offensive against the Iranian regime-backed Houthis, with the Pentagon promising to use "overwhelming lethal force" until the group stopped firing on vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

An initial wave of US air strikes that officials said killed senior Houthi leaders has since been extended into an "open-ended" air campaign.

The campaign, intended to restore freedom of navigation, has targeted Houthi leaders, air defense and weapons manufacturing and storage facilities in Yemen.

BTF missions, which involve the regular deployment of US bomber forces, could quickly be launched to support the campaign, joining fighter jets from the USS Harry S. Truman carrier and US Air Force attack aircraft and drones.

The Truman's deployment has been extended and a second carrier strike group, the USS Carl Vinson, is headed to the region.

The BTF deployment model allows strategic bombers to fly on short notice, and has evolved as a means to deploy a tailor-built task force of bombers in a Geographic Combatant Command to serve each commander's unique priorities.

Bomber fleet

The BTF fleet includes roughly 140 active long-range bombers, including B-52H Stratofortresses, B-2 Spirit aircraft and B-1B Lancers.

The B-1B, a supersonic variable-sweep wing heavy bomber, can carry up to 34,000kg of ordnance -- the largest conventional payload of guided and unguided weapons in the US Air Force inventory.

It is equipped with variable-geometry wings and turbofan engines that provide long range, high speed and enhanced survivability, as well as an advanced radar targeting system and electronic countermeasures.

Low-observable technology distinguishes the B-2 Spirit, enabling it to penetrate deep into enemy territory to deliver both conventional and nuclear munitions.

Its signature flying-wing design provides high aerodynamic efficiency and a large payload capacity, allowing it to carry out long-range, high-altitude missions with significant firepower.

The B-52 Stratofortress is capable of performing a variety of missions, including strategic attack, close-air support, air interdiction and maritime operations.

It can carry the widest array of weapons in the US inventory, including nuclear and precision-guided conventional ordnance, and comes with advanced targeting pods and night vision capabilities that enhance its combat effectiveness.

Its advanced capabilities allow the platform to accurately hit only legitimate military or terrorist targets regardless of location, minimizing civilian casualties.

Long-range strike

All three types of bombers can carry the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles (JASSMs), a long-range air-launched cruise missile designed to strike high-value, heavily defended targets from distances of up to 370km.

A state-of-the-art infrared seeker, low-observable airframe and Global Positioning System-assisted interior navigation enhance its stealth and precision, allowing it to penetrate dense air defense networks and strike high-value targets with accuracy.

The low-observable airframe is designed to evade sophisticated enemy air defenses, including systems like the S-300 and its newer variants.

The missile can store three-dimensional targeting models of up to eight intended targets, and is capable of achieving a Circular Error Probable (CEP) of within three meters.

It weighs more than 1,000kg and contains a 432kg penetrator and blast fragmentation warhead, making it effective against hardened structures and critical enemy infrastructure.

The AGM-158 JASSM saw its first combat use in April 2018 during strikes against Syria's Barzah Research Development Center. The United States deployed 19 JASSM-A missiles to destroy the facility, which manufactured chemical weapons.

The United States also used multiple JASSM-ER missiles in October 2019 in the military operation against "Islamic State of Iraq and Syria" (ISIS) leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in Syria.

An extended range variant, JASSM-ER, significantly enhances the missile's reach, pushing its range up to 1000km.