Just days after we reported that the U.S. is sending upgraded nuclear weapons to Europe, news breaks that six nuclear-capable B-52 aircraft are being sent to Australia where they will be stationed at an airbase in the Northern Territory. Note that the article did not specify whether nuclear weapons were included as part of the deployment. Nonetheless, this is seen as a signal of the United State’s commitment to defending its allies in the pacific.
The B-52 Stratofortress is a long-range strategic bomber capable of carrying up to 70,000 pounds of munitions. It can fly around 8,000 miles without refueling. In addition to carrying nuclear bombs, the aircraft can carry short-range attack missiles such as the AGM-69 SRAM and air-launched cruise missiles such as the AGM-82 ALCM. Combined, the six B-52s can potentially launch as many as 120 cruise missiles, all without the need to enter enemy airspace.
Published 10/31/2022. Read full article.
