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The Boeing B-52 Stratofortress, a longstanding aircraft of the United States Air Force, has served from the Vietnam War to the War in Afghanistan. Originally designed as a nuclear deterrence platform, the B-52 has evolved into a versatile aircraft capable of a wide range of missions. It can carry everything from nuclear warheads to experimental aircraft.
During Desert Storm, B-52s were responsible for delivering 40 percent of all weapons dropped by coalition forces. The aircraft is also effective in ocean surveillance and assists the U.S. Navy in anti-ship and mine-laying operations. Two B-52s can monitor 140,000 square miles (364,000 square kilometers) of ocean surface within two hours.
The B-52 fleet is globally deployed at bases in the United States and allied nations to provide flexible responses to emerging defense needs. These deployments strengthen partnerships between the US Air Force and allied air forces through joint training exercises that enhance interoperability and cooperative training.
