Latest news with #BTF
Newsweek
26-05-2025
- 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.
Forbes
15-05-2025
- General
- Forbes
Air Force Calls For Latvians To Photograph B-52 During Friday Flyover
A B-52 Stratofortress will bly over Riga, Latvia, on Friday. (Photo by Robert ATANASOVSKI / AFP) ... More (Photo by ROBERT ATANASOVSKI/AFP via Getty Images) The United States Air Force will deploy at least one Boeing B-52 Stratofortress bomber to Latvia on Friday, where the aircraft will conduct a flyover of the capital city of Riga. U.S. Air Force Europe-Air Force Africa (USAFE-AFAFRICA) took to social media on Thursday. It encouraged residents to photograph the long-range strategic bomber as it passes over the Monument of Freedom. "[The] B-52H Stratofortress is scheduled to conduct a flyover in Riga, Latvia, above the Monument of Freedom and Lielvārde Air Base on 16 May at approximately 12:00 p.m. local as part of the Bomber Task Force Europe mission set, demonstrating the United States' commitment to security in the Baltic region and across NATO's eastern flank," USAFE-AFAFRICA said in a media statement. In a post on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, USAFE-AFAFRICA further announced the "Photo Contest" and called for those in Riga to "Capture the multinational flyover & submit your photo for a chance to be featured. Take a photo of the B-52 & Allied aircraft during the flyover. Post it on Instagram or Facebook with #RigaFlyer & tag: @usafe_afafrica @HQUSAFE.' The winner will get "a spotlight feature" on the USAFE-AFAFRICA social media feeds. The U.S. Air Force does not typically give advanced notice about Bomber Task Force (BTF) missions; instead, deployments are announced after the aircraft begin to arrive in the region. The most recent BTF 25-2 mission, the second of the service's fiscal year, was carried out from the middle of February to early April and saw at least four B-52s sent to Europe. In this case, USAFE-AFAFRICA employed a social media campaign to alert allies, partners, and potential adversaries of the BTF mission. "The U.S. Air Force is mostly giving the Russians advanced notice they are coming. The Latvians are invited to watch," explained technology industry analyst Roger Entner of Recon Analytics. "It is a way to lean into the social media era," added Dr. Matthew Schmidt, associate professor of national security and political science at the University of New Haven. "It is much like the Air Force equivalent of driving a carrier task force through the Taiwan Strait. It's a presence patrol. They want to be seen. They want it all over in the civilian world because it encourages a sense that the U.S. is there defending its allies." What is also notable about this potential BTF mission is that it isn't just about the fact that the Cold War-era bomber will fly over a former Soviet Republic, but also about the fact that the Air Force is encouraging photos to be taken and shared on Instagram and Facebook. The service routinely releases official images of BTF missions and other deployments of its aircraft, while unofficial photos quickly make the rounds on social media. In this case, USAFE-AFAFRICA may hope that B-52 is a trending topic on Friday. "What's remarkable here isn't just the military maneuver itself, but the way the U.S. is turning a high-level defense operation into a social media moment," said global brand marketing strategist Angeli Gianchandani, adjunct instructor of marketing and public relations. "Encouraging public sharing turns a military signal into a viral one—blurring the lines between defense strategy and public engagement," added Gianchandani, who earned her master's degree at Tuft University's Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy under Admiral James Stavridis. She said this is a textbook example of leveraging soft power, an essential skill in modern diplomacy. "It also reflects the value of strategic transparency as deterrence—keeping things above board, controlling the narrative early, and signaling resolve without crossing into aggression," Gianchandani continued. "By inviting civilians to participate, the U.S. transforms a traditional show-of-force into a public display of alliance solidarity." Friday's planned flight follows the low-pass flyover of Stockholm, Sweden, of two B-52H bombers to observe the first anniversary of the Nordic nation's accession to NATO, while Estonia's Independence Day was also marked with a flyover that included an American B-52, escorted by a Finnish Air Force F/A-18 Hornet and Royal Netherlands Air Force F-35A Lightning II. The upcoming flight promises to be more of the same, notably flying over the monument that was installed to honor the soldiers killed during the Latvian War of Independence (1918-1920). "It projects power in an open and welcoming way, positioning this mission as reassurance, not provocation, and sending a clear message that the U.S. stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Latvia and NATO—in full view of the world," said Gianchandani. "Where we see so much chaos, this move feels unexpected and super smart—turning a routine flyover into a master class in public diplomacy."
Miami Herald
22-04-2025
- General
- Miami Herald
Indo-Pacific Map Shows Where US Bombers Operate Outside of America
The United States has been rotating its bomber fleet, including those that are equipped for nuclear armament, in the Indo-Pacific region to deter aggression, a Newsweek map shows. The U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command, which is responsible for the entire American bomber force, is ready to conduct Bomber Task Force (BTF) operations "anyplace, anytime, and for any duration required," the Louisiana-based command told Newsweek on Monday. The U.S. Air Force operates three types of bombers in active service: the nuclear-capable B-2 Spirit and B-52H Stratofortress and the B-1B Lancer, which can carry up to 75,000 pounds of nonnuclear weapons. American bombers have been conducting BTF missions since 2018 in the European and Pacific theaters by deploying at U.S. and allied air bases for an unspecified period, demonstrating the Pentagon's ability to "command and control bomber forces anywhere." These missions, which are regular and routine, show the U.S. is committed to strengthening deterrence and promoting peace and stability by providing "combat-ready forces for nuclear and conventional global strike," according to the U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command. Since the commencement of BTF missions, the U.S. has sent its bombers to five locations in the Indo-Pacific region that are outside the continental U.S., including two locations on U.S. territory: Andersen Air Force Base in Guam and Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii. Guam and Hawaii are part of the second and third island chains, respectively, under a U.S. containment strategy to restrict Russian and Chinese military access to the Pacific Ocean. Both islands also serve as strategic outposts for projecting the U.S.'s military power. The remaining locations are Royal Australian Air Force Base Amberley in Australia, Misawa Air Base in Japan and Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia in the British Indian Ocean Territory. Australia and Japan are located within the first and second island chains. Each BTF mission involves two to four aircraft and lasts for a month on average. The U.S. is currently conducting two deployments: the B-1B bombers at Misawa Air Base and the B-2 bombers at Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia. While the U.S. Pacific Air Forces told Newsweek that it would refrain from discussing the number of deployed bombers and the length of their presence in Japan, it has been confirmed that this will be a "limited deployment" for training with U.S. allies and partners in the region. Prior to the first-ever rotational BTF deployment in Japan, the B-1B bombers took part in training with the South Korean air force in the ally's airspace. North Korea later condemned Washington for "escalating tension" and "inciting confrontation" in the Korean Peninsula. Earlier this month, the Pentagon said additional "air assets" had been ordered to deploy to the Middle East amid rising tensions. However, it has yet to confirm the deployment of as many as six B-2 bombers at the Indian Ocean outpost, which were spotted by satellite imagery. The U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command 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 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. … Bomber Task Force deployments support the larger Indo-Pacific strategy to uphold a free and open Indo-Pacific and are not in direct response to any political or economic factors." The U.S. looks for every opportunity to train alongside allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region to bolster collective ability, the U.S. Pacific Air Forces told Newsweek. It remains to be seen whether the U.S. will expand BTF missions by sending bombers to new locations. Related Articles Iran Ready for Nuclear Deal with TrumpChina Releases Video of Encounter With US Aircraft Carrier Fighter JetIf Nations Won't Fight Global Warming, Cities Can and Will | OpinionUS Bolsters Israel With Airlift Amid Regional Threats 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
22-04-2025
- General
- Newsweek
Indo-Pacific Map Shows Where US Bombers Operate Outside of America
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 has been rotating its bomber fleet, including those that are equipped for nuclear armament, in the Indo-Pacific region to deter aggression, a Newsweek map shows. The U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command, which is responsible for the entire American bomber force, is ready to conduct Bomber Task Force (BTF) operations "anyplace, anytime, and for any duration required," the Louisiana-based command told Newsweek on Monday. Why It Matters The U.S. Air Force operates three types of bombers in active service: the nuclear-capable B-2 Spirit and B-52H Stratofortress and the B-1B Lancer, which can carry up to 75,000 pounds of nonnuclear weapons. American bombers have been conducting BTF missions since 2018 in the European and Pacific theaters by deploying at U.S. and allied air bases for an unspecified period, demonstrating the Pentagon's ability to "command and control bomber forces anywhere." These missions, which are regular and routine, show the U.S. is committed to strengthening deterrence and promoting peace and stability by providing "combat-ready forces for nuclear and conventional global strike," according to the U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command. A pair of United States Air Force B-1B bombers taxiing to be parked at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam on January 17 in support of Bomber Task Force 25-1. A pair of United States Air Force B-1B bombers taxiing to be parked at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam on January 17 in support of Bomber Task Force 25-1. Tech. Sgt. Robert M. Trujillo/U.S. Air Force What To Know Since the commencement of BTF missions, the U.S. has sent its bombers to five locations in the Indo-Pacific region that are outside the continental U.S., including two locations on U.S. territory: Andersen Air Force Base in Guam and Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii. Guam and Hawaii are part of the second and third island chains, respectively, under a U.S. containment strategy to restrict Russian and Chinese military access to the Pacific Ocean. Both islands also serve as strategic outposts for projecting the U.S.'s military power. The remaining locations are Royal Australian Air Force Base Amberley in Australia, Misawa Air Base in Japan and Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia in the British Indian Ocean Territory. Australia and Japan are located within the first and second island chains. Each BTF mission involves two to four aircraft and lasts for a month on average. The U.S. is currently conducting two deployments: the B-1B bombers at Misawa Air Base and the B-2 bombers at Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia. While the U.S. Pacific Air Forces told Newsweek that it would refrain from discussing the number of deployed bombers and the length of their presence in Japan, it has been confirmed that this will be a "limited deployment" for training with U.S. allies and partners in the region. Prior to the first-ever rotational BTF deployment in Japan, the B-1B bombers took part in training with the South Korean air force in the ally's airspace. North Korea later condemned Washington for "escalating tension" and "inciting confrontation" in the Korean Peninsula. Earlier this month, the Pentagon said additional "air assets" had been ordered to deploy to the Middle East amid rising tensions. However, it has yet to confirm the deployment of as many as six B-2 bombers at the Indian Ocean outpost, which were spotted by satellite imagery. What People Are Saying The U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command 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 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. … Bomber Task Force deployments support the larger Indo-Pacific strategy to uphold a free and open Indo-Pacific and are not in direct response to any political or economic factors." What Happens Next The U.S. looks for every opportunity to train alongside allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region to bolster collective ability, the U.S. Pacific Air Forces told Newsweek. It remains to be seen whether the U.S. will expand BTF missions by sending bombers to new locations.
Daily Tribune
22-02-2025
- General
- Daily Tribune
U.S. B-52 Bombers Conduct Strategic Missions Over Arabian Peninsula and Red Sea
U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress strategic bombers from the 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron at Minot Air Force Base have returned to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility, conducting multiple missions over the Arabian Peninsula and the Red Sea without landing. The operation is part of U.S. Strategic Command's ongoing Bomber Task Force (BTF) mission series. The BTF missions are designed to project long-range strike capabilities through the Air Force Global Strike Command's bomber fleet, which includes the B-1B Lancer, B-2 Spirit, and B-52 Stratofortress. These missions provide a visible deterrence presence while reinforcing U.S. military readiness in key regions. In addition to deterrence, these bombers have played a crucial role in U.S. strike operations against Iranian-affiliated militia groups over the past year. Notably, the U.S. deployed B-1B bombers to conduct strikes on 85 targets in Syria and Iraq following the deaths of three American soldiers at Tower 22. The first B-2 stealth bomber strikes against Houthi-controlled facilities in Yemen took place in October 2024, while a non-routine 45-day deployment of B-52s in late 2024 supported various operational and training missions across the region. Bomber Task Force missions highlight the U.S. military's capability to rapidly deploy combat power worldwide and integrate operations with Coalition and regional partner forces. These strategic missions reinforce U.S. Central Command's commitment to maintaining security and stability in the region.
