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World Defense & Security News - United States
 
 
USAF to pound ISIS with B-52 strategic bombers from Qatar
 
The United States Air Force has sent B-52 Stratofortress aircraft in its fight against the Islamic State. The two bombers arrived at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, from Barksdale Air Force Base, on 9 April, in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. They are replacing the B-1 Lancers who are planned to undergo an upgrade.
     
USAF to pound ISIS with B 52 strategic bombers from Qatar 640 001Two B-52s at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar
(Credit: US Air Forces Central Command)
     
It is the first time after 26 years that B-52s are deployed in the US Central Command area of responsibility, upon the end of Operation Desert Storm. Since then, they have only flown in the region in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in May 2006 and during Exercise Eager Lion in Jordan, almost a year ago.

The aircraft will carry out missions over Iraq and Syria, as per the coalition plans. According to Lt. Gen. Charles Q. Brown, Commander of US Air Forces Central Command and Combined Forces Air Component, “as a multi-role platform, the B-52 offers diverse capabilities including delivery of precision weapons and the flexibility and endurance needed to support the combatant commanders’ priorities and strengthen the coalition team.”

The Stratofortress or BUFF (Big Ugly Fat Fella) is a reliable platform flying almost 60 years. During their current deployment they will be flying Air Interdiction and Close Air Support missions, delivering precision-guided weapons against ISIS targets.