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First Post
5 days ago
- Politics
- First Post
After Diego Garcia, US deploys warplanes in Guam to beef up Indo-Pacific presence
After Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, the United States has deployed heavy, nuclear-capable bombers in Guam to beef up the military presence in the Indo-Pacific region. read more A B-52 Stratofortress assigned to the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, takes off at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, on April 14, 2023. (Representative Photo, Credit: US Air Force) In what appears to be part of a gradual build-up in the Indo-Pacific region, the United States has now deployed bombers in Guam after deploying more warplanes in Diego Garcia earlier this month. The deployment in Guam comes after the United States deployed B-1B bombers for the first time in Japan last month. While Guam in the western Pacific Ocean is part of the 'second island chain' strategy of the United States to contain China, Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean is critical to operations in Central Command, Africa Command, and European Command. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD US beefs up Inco-Pacific presence with bombers in Guam The US Air Force 2nd Bomb Wing, which operates B-52H Stratofortress long-range, heavy bombers, appears to have deployed an unspecified number of aircraft in Guam. A video cited by Newsweek shows the unit's bombers undergoing maintenance and post-flight inspections at the Andersen Air Force Base in Guam on May 22. The B-52H bombers have a stated range of 8,800 miles and can carry up to 70,000 pounds of payload. They are also capable of carrying nuclear warheads. These aircraft are said to have 'worldwide precision navigation capability' and have a top speed of 650 miles per hour. The news of B-52H's deployment in Guam comes after the United States increased the strength at the Diego Garcia base in the wake of ongoing tense nuclear negotiations with Iran. In March, The War Zone reported that six B-2 bombers were deployed in Diego Garcia and the total number at one point reached 10 — an unusually large number in what was deemed as power projection amid rising international tensions. Even as the B-2s left Diego Garcia, the United States increased the deployment of F-15 fighter planes at the base, according to TWZ. In two tranches, TWZ has reported that the United States has deployed six F-15s in Diego Garcia to provide protection to the base and bombers stationed there. Since the October 7 attack, the base has been used to strike Yemen-based Houthis who have terrorised the Red Sea.
Newsweek
5 days ago
- General
- Newsweek
US Sends New Bombers to Frontline Air Base in West Pacific
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The United States appears to have rotated its bomber fleet to the Western Pacific Ocean by deploying aircraft to Guam, a strategic hub that serves as a staging area for projecting power. Newsweek has reached out to the U.S. Pacific Air Forces for further comment by email. Why It Matters The U.S. often deploys its bombers—consisting of the B-1B Lancer, B-2 Spirit, and B-52H Stratofortress—at bases in the Indo-Pacific region for Bomber Task Force (BTF) missions, including Guam, its westernmost territory in the Pacific Ocean, a Newsweek map shows. Guam serves as the center of the Second Island Chain under the U.S. containment strategy, which seeks to keep adversaries' forces in check. The island also hosts Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps bases that sustain and maintain the American military presence in the region. What To Know The U.S. Air Force 2nd Bomb Wing—a B-52H Stratofortress bomber unit headquartered at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana—released a video on Saturday indicating that an unspecified number of bombers have been deployed to Andersen Air Force Base in Guam. The video shows a bomber undergoing maintenance and post-flight inspections at the air base on May 22, with its caption stating that BTF missions provide opportunities to train and work with U.S. allies and partners across different combatant command areas of operations. The B-52H bomber is capable of carrying up to 70,000 pounds of nuclear or conventional weapons and features "worldwide precision navigation capability." It has a stated range of 8,800 miles and a top speed of 650 miles per hour, according to a U.S. Air Force fact sheet. This marked the third BTF deployment in the Western Pacific Ocean this year, according to the map created by Newsweek. The last mission saw four B-1B bombers deploy to Misawa Air Base in Japan in mid-April, returning to the U.S. in two flights on May 9 and May 12. A United States Air Force B-52H bomber arrives at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam after completing a Bomber Task Force mission on April 29, 2024. A United States Air Force B-52H bomber arrives at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam after completing a Bomber Task Force mission on April 29, 2024. Tech. Sgt. Eric Summers Jr./U.S. Air Force The map also shows that Andersen Air Force Base hosted another BTF deployment from mid-January to early March, involving a separate group of four B-1B bombers. These bombers are not nuclear-capable and carry up to 75,000 pounds of conventional weapons. It was not clear how long the B-52H bombers will be deployed in Guam. The U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command, responsible for America's bomber force, previously told Newsweek that it is ready to conduct BTF missions "anyplace, anytime, and for any duration required." What People Are Saying The U.S. Air Force 2nd Bomb Wing said: "Bomber Task Force missions demonstrate the credibility of our forces to address a global security environment that is more diverse and uncertain than any other time in recent history." The U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command previously told Newsweek: "Our command is committed to working with U.S. allies and partners to deter aggression in the Indo-Pacific; those allies and partners provide an asymmetric advantage that our adversaries can never hope to match." The U.S. Pacific Air Forces previously told Newsweek: "The U.S. Air Force routinely deploys a variety of aircraft and units throughout the Indo-Pacific area of operations in support of geographic combatant command objectives and training." What Happens Next It remains to be seen when the Guam-based B-52H bombers will execute their first mission since arriving on the Western Pacific island, where tensions remain high in the South China Sea, across the Taiwan Strait, and on the Korean Peninsula.
Miami Herald
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Photos Show Allied Jets Escorting US Bombers in New Frontline Drills
The United States conducted a drill with Japan, involving supersonic bombers and stealth fighter jets, to strengthen their deterrence amid an "increasingly severe security environment." Newsweek has emailed the Chinese and Russian defense ministries for comment. The North Korean Embassy in China did not immediately respond to a written request for comment. Under the U.S. maritime containment strategy, Japan forms part of the First Island Chain, aiming to restrict China's military access to the wider Western Pacific Ocean. Japan also faces nuclear and missile threats from North Korea and has a territorial dispute with Russia. Last month, four U.S. B-1B bombers were deployed to northern Japan as part of a Bomber Task Force mission at Misawa Air Base, demonstrating America's commitment to the Indo-Pacific region and to its allies and partners, the U.S. Pacific Air Forces said. The deployment of American bombers, which are not nuclear-capable, comes after President Donald Trump questioned the reciprocity of the security treaty with Japan in March, stating, "We have to protect Japan, but under no circumstances do they have to protect us." The U.S. Air Force and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force conducted a bilateral exercise on May 9 in the airspace over waters surrounding Japan, the Japanese Defense Ministry said. Officially released photos show a pair of U.S. B-1B bombers flying in formation with two Japanese F-35A stealth fighter jets over several undisclosed locations in Japanese waters. "This bilateral exercise reaffirms the strong intention between Japan and the United States not to tolerate unilateral changes to the status quo by force," the Japanese Defense Ministry explained, adding that the drill enhanced the alliance's readiness and response capabilities. In a Facebook post, Misawa Air Base said the exercise-described as a "Bomber Task Force joint integration training"-enhanced interoperability and demonstrated what it called a "united commitment" by the U.S. and Japan to regional stability and global security. The B-1B bomber has the largest payload of conventional weapons in the U.S. Air Force inventory, capable of carrying up to 75,000 pounds of bombs and missiles. It has a top speed of Mach 1.2, traveling faster than the speed of sound, with an intercontinental flight range. Japan has acquired F-35A fighter jets from the U.S., its treaty ally, to bolster its air power. The aircraft are currently stationed at Misawa Air Base on the Pacific coast and at Komatsu Air Base, which faces the Sea of Japan (known as the East Sea in South Korea) to the west. The U.S. Pacific Air Forces said: "[Bomber Task Force] 25-2 showcases Allied strength and unity to deter aggression by showcasing its ironclad commitment to allies and partners while promoting peace, stability, homeland defense and keeping our forces mission-ready." Japan's defense white paper 2024 read: "The international community has entered a new era of crisis. It is now facing its greatest trial since the end of World War II. The existing order is being seriously challenged. Japan finds itself in the most severe and complex security environment of the post-war era." It remains to be seen whether the U.S. will deploy additional military aircraft to Japan. In addition to the bombers, the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Marine Corps recently deployed their stealth fighter jets-the F-35A and F-35B, respectively-to the Northeast Asian ally. Related Articles Biggest Arms Deal in History a Win for TrumpIran Prepares Forces for War As Doubt Hangs Over US Nuclear TalksHouthis Send Warning on Trump Middle East VisitPope Leo Issues Five-Word Message to the US 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Photos Show Allied Jets Escorting US Bombers in New Frontline Drills
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The United States conducted a drill with Japan, involving supersonic bombers and stealth fighter jets, to strengthen their deterrence amid an "increasingly severe security environment." Newsweek has emailed the Chinese and Russian defense ministries for comment. The North Korean Embassy in China did not immediately respond to a written request for comment. Why It Matters Under the U.S. maritime containment strategy, Japan forms part of the First Island Chain, aiming to restrict China's military access to the wider Western Pacific Ocean. Japan also faces nuclear and missile threats from North Korea and has a territorial dispute with Russia. Last month, four U.S. B-1B bombers were deployed to northern Japan as part of a Bomber Task Force mission at Misawa Air Base, demonstrating America's commitment to the Indo-Pacific region and to its allies and partners, the U.S. Pacific Air Forces said. The deployment of American bombers, which are not nuclear-capable, comes after President Donald Trump questioned the reciprocity of the security treaty with Japan in March, stating, "We have to protect Japan, but under no circumstances do they have to protect us." What To Know The U.S. Air Force and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force conducted a bilateral exercise on May 9 in the airspace over waters surrounding Japan, the Japanese Defense Ministry said. Officially released photos show a pair of U.S. B-1B bombers flying in formation with two Japanese F-35A stealth fighter jets over several undisclosed locations in Japanese waters. Two U.S. Air Force B-1B bombers, back, fly in formation with two Japanese F-35A fighter jets in the airspace over waters surrounding Japan on May 9, 2025. Two U.S. Air Force B-1B bombers, back, fly in formation with two Japanese F-35A fighter jets in the airspace over waters surrounding Japan on May 9, 2025. Misawa Air Base Facebook page "This bilateral exercise reaffirms the strong intention between Japan and the United States not to tolerate unilateral changes to the status quo by force," the Japanese Defense Ministry explained, adding that the drill enhanced the alliance's readiness and response capabilities. In a Facebook post, Misawa Air Base said the exercise—described as a "Bomber Task Force joint integration training"—enhanced interoperability and demonstrated what it called a "united commitment" by the U.S. and Japan to regional stability and global security. The B-1B bomber has the largest payload of conventional weapons in the U.S. Air Force inventory, capable of carrying up to 75,000 pounds of bombs and missiles. It has a top speed of Mach 1.2, traveling faster than the speed of sound, with an intercontinental flight range. Japan has acquired F-35A fighter jets from the U.S., its treaty ally, to bolster its air power. The aircraft are currently stationed at Misawa Air Base on the Pacific coast and at Komatsu Air Base, which faces the Sea of Japan (known as the East Sea in South Korea) to the west. What People Are Saying The U.S. Pacific Air Forces said: "[Bomber Task Force] 25-2 showcases Allied strength and unity to deter aggression by showcasing its ironclad commitment to allies and partners while promoting peace, stability, homeland defense and keeping our forces mission-ready." Four B-1B bombers park at Misawa Air Base in Japan on April 18, 2025, for the Bomber Task Force 25-2 mission. Four B-1B bombers park at Misawa Air Base in Japan on April 18, 2025, for the Bomber Task Force 25-2 mission. Airman 1st Class Mattison Cole/U.S. Air Force Japan's defense white paper 2024 read: "The international community has entered a new era of crisis. It is now facing its greatest trial since the end of World War II. The existing order is being seriously challenged. Japan finds itself in the most severe and complex security environment of the post-war era." What Happens Next It remains to be seen whether the U.S. will deploy additional military aircraft to Japan. In addition to the bombers, the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Marine Corps recently deployed their stealth fighter jets—the F-35A and F-35B, respectively—to the Northeast Asian ally.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
North Korea's Kim Jong Un oversees nuclear counterattack missile test
SEOUL, May 9 (UPI) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un supervised a test of short-range ballistic missiles and long-range artillery in a demonstration of Pyongyang's nuclear counterstrike capabilities, state-run media said Friday. Korean Central News Agency reported that the drill, which was conducted Thursday, involved a 600-millimeter multilayer rocket system and Hwasongpho-11-Ka tactical ballistic missiles. Kim stressed the need to "steadily enhance the pivotal role of the nuclear force in all aspects of the strategy to deter war and the strategy to fight war," the report said. "[Kim] said that the DPRK should continue to direct efforts to steadily improving the long-range precision striking capability and efficiency of weapons systems, proceeding from the security environment of our state and the realistic requirements of modern warfare," KCNA said. The Democratic People's Republic of Korea is the official name of North Korea. The KCNA report came a day after South Korea's military said it detected the launch of multiple short-range ballistic missiles from the Wonsan area on the peninsula's east coast. The South's Joint Chiefs of Staff speculated that the launch may have been a test of weapons systems meant for export to Russia. Seoul and Washington say that North Korea has supplied missiles, artillery and soldiers to Russia for its war against Ukraine, while receiving much-needed financial support and advanced military technology in return. Earlier this week, North Korean state media reported on a visit by Kim to a munitions factory, where he called for workers to boost their output of artillery shells. Prior to Thursday's launch, the drill inspected the operational reliability of the North's Haekbangashoe "nuclear trigger" system. First tested in April 2024, the nuclear weapons management system is used to link a launch order to its actual execution. "The goal of the drill was achieved and the reliability of the command and mobilization system capable of quickly reacting to any nuclear crisis was verified," KCNA reported. The KCNA article accused the United States and its allies of staging nuclear operation drills on the Korean Peninsula and making a nuclear attack on North Korea a "fait accompli." "This reckless act of aggravating the situation requires the armed forces of the DPRK to prepare for a rapid reaction capability and a thoroughgoing war posture," KCNA said. Pyongyang frequently criticizes U.S.-South Korea joint military exercises as rehearsals for an invasion and has denounced the deployment of American strategic assets, such as aircraft carrier strike groups and B-1B strategic bombers, to the Korean Peninsula. On Friday, South Korea's Unification Ministry condemned the launch, which was the North's first ballistic missile test since March 10 and its fourth of the year. The launch was "a violation of Security Council resolutions and a clear act of provocation that seriously threatens peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula," ministry spokeswoman Kim In-ae said at a press briefing.
