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8h ago

U.S. B-52s Fly Over Iran With JDAMs as Air War Shifts to Close-In Strikes

The flights reflect U.S. confidence that Iranian air defenses have been weakened.

A B-52 Stratofortress assigned to the 69th Bomb Squadron, Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, flies during Red Flag-Nellis 22-3 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, July 18, 2022. RF-N 22-3 provides realistic combat training that saves lives while increasing combat effectiveness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Makenna Gott)
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Overview

  • U.S. B-52 bombers are now flying over Iran carrying JDAM guided bombs, a step senior leaders tie to increased air superiority inside the country.
  • Bombers based at RAF Fairford in England, including reported deployments of B-1s and B-52s, have moved from long‑range missile shots to overland attacks on missile, drone, and naval targets.
  • Gen. Dan Caine said the first overland B-52 missions began after U.S. forces gained greater control of the skies, enabling strikes on mobile launchers and other time‑sensitive targets.
  • Analysts point to bombers’ large payloads and endurance, noting the use of 2,000‑pound JDAMs, 5,000‑pound penetrator bombs, and JASSM cruise missiles to hit hardened and underground sites.
  • The campaign carries risks, with about 16 MQ-9 Reapers lost and at least one F-35 hit, even as President Trump declares Iran’s air defenses destroyed and experts caution that threats still remain.