U.S. B-52s Conduct ‘Bomber Attack Demonstration’ Near Venezuela

The U.S. Air Force has deployed B-52H Stratofortress intercontinental range strategic bombers from Minot Air Force Base for a Bomber Attack Demonstration over the Caribbean Sea on November 24, as part of Operation Southern Spear aimed at placing military pressure on Venezuela. The mission was part of ongoing efforts to “bring Hemispheric security & stability,” according to officials, and included integration with fighter units. B-52H and B-1B strategic bombers have been deployed to stage multiple shows of force in the region from mid-October, including flights with transporters turned off to conduct stimulated attacks on Venezuelan targets. The United States has simultaneously build up a vast military presence both at sea, and at nearby military facilities particularly in Puerto Rico.

The latest show of force using B-52s closely coincided with a visit by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caineto U.S. personnel in Puerto Rico and personnel aboard a Navy warship deployed in the area, marking the official’s second visit to the region since the buildup began. Venezuela has responded to the U.S. military buildup by staging military exercises, and by deploying its Su-30MK2 fighter aircraft for long range patrols and shows of force. Venezuela’s air defences are considered by far the best defended in Latin America, with the S-300VM long range surface-to-air missile system and Su-30MK2 fighter forming the backbone of its capabilities. Russian sources have reported that alongside the dispatch of Russian senior officers including generals to help strengthen the country’s defences, new air defence systems have also been delivered. The B-52’s ability to launch cruise missile attacks from well beyond the ranges of any known air defence systems allows them to engage targets without being left vulnerable, making the bombers highly valued assets.

The B-52 has formed the backbone of the American strategic bomber fleet since the 1960s, and after playing a central role in the Vietnam War, has been involved in combat operations against Afghanistan, Yugoslavia, Libya and Iraq among other targets. The eight engine nuclear capable aircraft has been relied on for shows of force across the globe, from the Persian Gulf targeting Iran, to the Arctic targeting Russia, the South China Sea targeting China, and near the Korean Peninsula to target North Korea. The bomber’s viability has nevertheless been repeatedly questioned, with efforts to modernise the fleet under the B-52J program suffering significant delays and cost overruns, raising the possibility of cancellation and the aircraft’s early retirement from service.