Sending the B-52 Bomber To Strike Iran Could Be a Big Mistake

Summary and Key Points: Dr. Brent M. Eastwood, a defense analyst and former U.S. Army Infantry officer, evaluates the potential deployment of the B-52 Stratofortress in Operation Epic Fury.

-While the B-2 Spirit conducted initial night strikes with 2,000-pound munitions, the B-52 offers a massive “stand-off” advantage utilizing AGM-158 JASSM-ER cruise missiles with a 571-mile range.

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 96th Expeditionary Bomber Generation Squadron salute the crew of a B-52H Stratofortress aircraft as they begin to taxi at Morón Air Base, Spain, Nov. 19, 2025, as part of Bomber Task Force Europe 26-1. The ability of U.S. forces and equipment to operate in conjunction with those of our Allies and partners is critical to bolstering an extended network of capabilities to decisively meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Codie Trimble)

A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress aircraft assigned to the 2nd Bomb Wing, Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, taxis to its parking spot at Morón Air Base, Spain, Nov. 19, 2025, as part of Bomber Task Force Europe 26-1. The ability of U.S. forces and equipment to operate in conjunction with those of our Allies and partners is critical to bolstering an extended network of capabilities to decisively meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Codie Trimble)

-This report analyzes the strategic pivot toward heavy-lift bombers following the suppression of Iranian air defenses, exploring how Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s authorization of British bases and the B-52’s 20-missile capacity could dismantle Tehran’s ballistic missile production centers.

–National Security Journal has spent a lot of time over the years visiting B-52 bomber exhibits over the years and presents original photos from those visits in this article. 

Will the B-52 Be Used During Strike Missions Over Iran?

B-52 bombers often rotate to Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, during times of training or conflict, and there might be a deployment there during Operation Epic Fury against Iran. The Stratofortress could be used to attack more military targets in the country.

The B-52s are located at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana and Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota.

This Deployment Could Be Dangerous for the Americans

The B-52’s lack of stealth could be considered risky.

The stealth B-2 Spirit has already flown at least one mission over Iran with several 2,000-pound bombs dropped on underground infrastructure housing ballistic missiles. The Stratofortress could be held back during Operation Epic Fury until complete suppression of enemy air defenses has been assured.

B-52 Bomber Bombs Ready to Go. Image Credit: National Security Journal.

Bombs Inside the B-52 Bomber. Photo taken by Harry J. Kazianis/National Security Journal.

B-52D Bomber at USAF Museum. Image Credit: National Security Journal.

B-52 Bomber Bombs. Image Credit: National Security Journal.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine has said the United States enjoys air superiority over Iran. So far, there are no confirmed reports that the B-52 has been used during the operation. That could change in the coming days.

Israel Also Claims Air Superiority

Israel has also claimed air superiority on March 1. The Israeli air force spent Sunday bombing missile-launching sites, air defenses, and command and control centers.

B-52’s Effective Stand-off Cruise Missiles 

Does this mean that the B-52 could now fly over Iran safely? It may have to wait until more enemy air defenses are suppressed.

However, the B-52 can carry and launch standoff missiles such as the AGM-158 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) and JASSM Extended-Range (ER). These air-launched cruise missiles have a range of over 347 miles. The JASSM-ER has a combat radius of 571 miles. B-52s can carry up to 20 JASSMs. Four B-52s could launch 80 of the lethal cruise missiles. The B-52 can also go after ships with the Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM).

A B-52H Stratofortress sits on the flightline before a munitions load operation at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, Sept 5, 2025. The base-wide readiness exercise tested the wing’s ability to generate aircraft, conduct security operations and respond to challenging scenarios. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Vincent Padilla)

A B-52H Stratofortress sit parked on the flight line at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, Aug. 8, 2022. The B-52 is capable of dropping or launching gravity bombs, cluster bombs, precision-guided missiles and joint direct attack munitions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Alysa Knott)

Military service members, veterans, and citizens of Guam gathered for the Memorial Day Commemoration at the Guam Veterans Cemetery. The Ceremony consisted of a fly over from a B-52H Stratofortress, a musical performance from the Guam Territorial Band & Cantate, guest speaking from the honorable Eddie Baza Calvo, a Fallen Soldier Gravesite Tribute, and the playing of Taps. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jacob Snouffer/Released)

A B-52 Stratofortress assigned to the 5th Bomb Wing, Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, completes refueling behind a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 134th Air Refueling Wing, Tennessee Air National Guard, during exercise Saber Guardian 19, June 17, 2019. The bombers participated in three exercises in the Baltic and Black Sea regions, providing opportunities for training with our allies and partners. Strategic bomber missions enhance the readiness and training necessary to respond to any potential crisis or challenge across the globe. The USEUCOM, NATO exercise promotes regional stability and security while increasing readiness, strengthening partner capabilities and fostering trust. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Daniel Gagnon)

JDAMs Can Also Enter the Picture

One munition that the B-52 can drop more plentifully and cheaperly is JDAM.

These are precision-guided bombs. JDAMs are comprised of the 500-pound Mark 82 and 1,000-pound Mark 83, as well as 2,000-pound variants. They use a combination of GPS and inertial navigation.

Don’t Forget – the B-52 Is Nuclear-Capable 

B-52s can also deploy the AGM-86B Air-Launched Cruise Missiles (ALCM). “B-52H bombers carry six AGM-86B missiles on each of two externally mounted pylons and eight internally on a rotary launcher, giving the B-52H a maximum capacity of 20 missiles per aircraft,” according to the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center. The AGM-86B is a nuclear missile, so this will not be utilized, but it shows just how much firepower the B-52 has. On the other hand, the Conventional Air Launched Cruise Missile could be deployed.

A B-52 Stratofortress assigned to the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, takes off to return home from a Bomber Task Force deployment at Navy Support Facility, Diego Garcia, April 3, 2024. The U.S. routinely and visibly demonstrates commitment to our Allies and partners through the global employment of our military forces.(U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Staci Kasischke)

A U.S. Airman guides a B-52 Stratofortress into to its parking position at Morón Air Base, Spain, May 20, 2025. The 496th Air Base Squadron provided coordinated support across airfield operations, refueling, lodging, and security to ensure mission readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Cristina Oliveira)

The Air Force could use the B-52 in Iran. The ability to fire stand-off missiles may be something the generals consider. Dropping JDAMs at this point is riskier, but the precision-guided bombs would cause significant damage. Air defense systems would need to be completely suppressed before the B-52 could attack with JDAMs. The JASSM and JASSM-ER are thus more likely weapons that the B-52 would launch.

Working with the British

In March 2025, B-52Hs flew with British and Israeli fighter jets out of Fairford Royal Air Force base in the United Kingdom to the Central Command area of responsibility. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has now said that Americans can use British military bases for attacks.

“The U.S. has requested permission to use British bases for that specific and limited defensive purpose. We have taken the decision to accept this request – to prevent Iran firing missiles across the region … killing innocent civilians … putting British lives at risk … and hitting countries that have not been involved,” Starmer said in prepared remarks March 1.

B-52 Strikes Are Only a Matter of Time

Look for the B-52 to be included in strike packages in the coming days to shape the battlefield. Its main mission will be to take out Iranian ballistic missile production, projectile storage, and launch mechanisms. This is too powerful of a bomber to be left out of the mix. Give the Israelis and the Americans more time to eliminate all Iranian air defenses, though.

That lack of stealth from the B-52 concerns me, but the United States needs all the firepower it can get from these massive airplanes.

The ‘Kinetic Missile Fight’ is Rearing Its Head

The use of B-52 stand-off cruise missiles would be welcome at a time when the Americans are conducting what I call the “Kinetic Missile Fight.” One wrinkle in this strategy is how the Chinese are reacting to Operation Epic Fury. China’s intelligence organs are busy noting which airplanes the Americans are using and when. So far the B-52 has not been a Day One or Day Two bomber. That could mean the Chinese see the Stratofortress as one that is held back during the initial period of conflict.

We’ll watch closely to see when the B-52 is flying missions over Iran. It has the stand-off cruise-missile capability to make a difference on the ground. Iran has thousands of ballistic missiles.

More of these launch sites and their centers of production must be annihilated before Israel and the United States stop the air strikes. The B-52 is a good bomber to keep in reserve for when air dominance is assured.

About the Author: Dr. Brent M. Eastwood

Author of now over 3,000 articles on defense issues, Brent M. Eastwood, PhD is the author of Don’t Turn Your Back On the World: a Conservative Foreign Policy and Humans, Machines, and Data: Future Trends in Warfare plus two other books. Brent was the founder and CEO of a tech firm that predicted world events using artificial intelligence. He served as a legislative fellow for US Senator Tim Scott and advised the senator on defense and foreign policy issues. He has taught at American University, George Washington University, and George Mason University. Brent is a former US Army Infantry officer. He can be followed on X @BMEastwood.