B-52J Archives

A B-52 Stratofortress leads a formation of a B-1 Lancer, A-10 Warthog, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-18 Hornet, F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning, assigned to Air Combat Command and Global Strike Command, during the Hyundai Air and Sea show at Miami, Florida, May 23, 2026. Each aircraft played a unique role in demonstrating the comprehensive reach of the U.S. Air Force, from legacy bombers to cutting-edge fifth-generation fighters. Known as the Arsenal of Freedom Formation, the event underscored the Air Force’s capability to project force anywhere, anytime, as a key component of national defense. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Lauren Diaz)

Military Hardware: Tanks, Bombers, Submarines and More

The New B-52J Bomber Has a Problem the U.S. Air Force Doesn’t Want to Admit

Summary and Key Point: The Air Force plans to keep the B-52J Stratofortress a core component of America’s long-range strike capability for decades, but...

Brandon Weichert4 hours ago

Military Hardware: Tanks, Bombers, Submarines and More

The U.S. Air Force Is Working On What Has to Be Called the ‘Super’ B-52J Stratofortress Bomber

The U.S. Air Force announced in May that the B-52 Commercial Engine Replacement Program completed its Critical Design Review, clearing Boeing to begin converting...

Jack Buckby6 days ago

Two B-52 Stratofortresses assigned to the 2nd Bomb Wing from Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana fly in a formation after completing missions over the Baltic Sea for Bomber Task Force Europe 20-1, Oct. 23, 2019. This deployment allows aircrews and support personnel to conduct theater integration and improve bomber interoperability with joint partners and allied nations. (U.S. Air Force photo by SSgt. Trevor T. McBride)

Military Hardware: Tanks, Bombers, Submarines and More

‘It Handles Terribly, is Sluggish, and Has Some Weird Behaviors’: The B-52 Is the U.S. Air Force’s Timeless Bomber

The U.S. Air Force is upgrading its B-52H Stratofortress fleet to the B-52J standard, extending the bomber’s service life into the 2050s and pushing...

Steve BalestrieriMay 18, 2026

A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress aircraft flies in a seven-ship formation during the Hyundai Air and Sea Show at Miami Beach, Florida, May 24, 2025. The flyover represented the Air Force’s total force, integrating active duty, guard, and reserve pilots flying the B-1B Lancer, B-2 Spirit, F-22 Raptor, A-10 Thunderbolt II, B-52H Stratofortress, F-16C Fighting Falcon, and F-15C Eagle aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Bailee A. Darbasie)

Military Hardware: Tanks, Bombers, Submarines and More

The B-52 LRSO Can Strike at 1,500 Miles — Chinese HQ-9 SAMs Have a 200-km Range

The B-52 Stratofortress strategic bomber will be able to hold Chinese targets at risk from approximately 1,500 miles using the Long Range Stand-Off (LRSO)...

Kris OsbornMay 16, 2026

A B-52 Stratofortress from the 2nd Bomb Wing returns home to Barksdale Air Force Base following a Bomber Task Force mission at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Aug. 20, 2023. BTF missions demonstrate the credibility of the United States forces to address a global security environment that is more diverse and uncertain than at any other time in history. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Seth Watson)

Military Hardware: Tanks, Bombers, Submarines and More

The B-52J Bomber Is Billions of Dollars over Budget and Won’t ‘Fly’ Until 2033

The U.S. Air Force’s ambitious B-52J upgrade program—the modernization effort that will keep America’s iconic Cold War bomber flying into the 2050s—just took a...

Brent M. EastwoodMay 6, 2026

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)

Military Hardware: Tanks, Bombers, Submarines and More

‘Fire the Hypersonic Missiles’: The U.S. Air Force’s B-52J Is Really a ‘New’ Bomber on the Inside

The idea of a massive, Vietnam-era bomber surging 100 years into the future, retaining sustained relevance and effectiveness, might bewilder the masses in the...

Kris OsbornMay 6, 2026