Iran's missile threat: U.S. deploys B‑52 bombers to deter conflict
On Sunday, The Wall Street Journal reported that Iran is planning a retaliatory attack on Israel, intending to use missiles with more powerful warheads and previously unused weapons. The United States decided to deploy additional forces to the Middle East, including B-52 strategic bombers, fighter jets, and destroyers. Their presence in the region is intended to warn Tehran.
Journalists from The Wall Street Journal have obtained information indicating that Tehran plans a retaliatory attack on Israel in response to the country's strike on Iran on 26th October. This might occur after the U.S. presidential elections scheduled for 5th November but before the inauguration of the new president, most likely before January 2025.
Iran plans retaliation for Israeli attack
According to The Wall Street Journal, during this time, Iran plans to use missiles with more powerful warheads, as well as weapons not previously used against Israel. An anonymous Egyptian government representative claims that Iran warned Egypt about its intentions, emphasising that the attack would be "strong and comprehensive." The Iranian military is expected to participate, and Iraqi territory might be used for launching missiles.
In light of the potential escalation of tensions in the Middle East, the United States will deploy significant forces to the region. "In accordance with our commitments to protect U.S. citizens and forces in the Middle East, defend Israel, and de-escalate through deterrence and diplomacy, the Secretary of Defence has ordered the deployment of additional missile defence destroyers, a fighter squadron, refuelling aircraft, as well as long-range B-52 bombers belonging to the U.S. Air Force," reads the Pentagon's statement.
"If Iran, its partners, or its proxies take this moment to attack American personnel or interests in the region, the United States will take all necessary measures to defend our nation," Pentagon spokesperson General Pat Ryder stated.
American deterrence strategy
According to the U.S. authorities, B-52 bombers appeared in the Middle East on Saturday, 2nd November. The Americans currently operate 76 B-52H Stratofortress bombers. These are the last remaining aircraft in service out of the 744 produced by Boeing for the U.S. military. Despite their age, these aircraft still form the backbone of the U.S. strategic bombing aviation, and the Americans do not plan to give them up easily. Especially since the B-52 can carry both conventional and nuclear weapons. Additionally, over their years of service, they have proven to be low-maintenance aircraft, offering a favourable cost-to-range and payload ratio.
The Pentagon plans to allocate up to £39.6 billion to upgrade the bombers to the B-52J version. The changes will enable the operation of the B-52 fleet until at least 2060. They will include, among other things, engine replacements, avionics modernisation, communication systems, electronic warfare systems, installation of a new AESA radar, wheels, brakes, and weapons bays. The bombers currently in use were manufactured between 1960 and 1962. They are about 50 metres in length, 12 metres in height, and have a wingspan of nearly 57 metres. They are powered by eight Pratt & Whitney TF33-P-3/103 turbofan engines, enabling them to achieve speeds over 1,000 km/h.
In take-off configuration, the B-52H bombers weigh approximately 256 metric tonnes, with over 31 metric tonnes dedicated to weaponry and 181 metric tonnes for fuel, providing a range exceeding 16,000 kilometres. For instance, regarding nuclear weapons, the B-52 is capable of carrying cruise missiles like the AGM-129 or AGM-86A, armed with nuclear warheads. The aircraft is also adapted to carry conventional weapons, including AGM-84 Harpoon, AGM-142 Raptor, AGM-86C missiles, and various types of aerial bombs.
