US sending B-52H bombers to Middle East to deter aggression

US Central Command says the mission 'demonstrates the US military’s ability to deploy combat airpower anywhere in the world on short notice'

A US Air Force B-52 bomber flies over Osan Air Base on January 10, 2016 in Pyeongtaek, South Korea. Getty Images

A US Air Force B-52 flies over a retirement ceremony for US Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ray Odierno at Joint Base Myer-Henderson, August 14, 2015 in Arlington, Virginia. AFP

A US B-52 bomber during the Moscow International Air Show on August 20, 2003 in Zhukovsky, southeast of Moscow. Getty Images

Air and firecrew work on one of the American B-52 High altitude bombers currently based at RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire, March 14, 2003. AFP

A US Air Force B-52 bomber takes off March 21, 2003 from RAF Fairford, England. Getty Images

A US serviceman patrols the runway after an American B-52 bomber lands at Fairford Royal Air Force base on March 4, 2003 in Gloucestershire, United Kingdom. Getty Images

A US Air Force B-52 Bomber performs a fly-by during the first public session of the Australian International Airshow in Melbourne, March 23, 2007. AFP

A B-52H Stratofortress is being prepared for a mission in support of Nato Operation Allied Force in the Federal Republic Of Yugoslavia at Raf Fairford, United Kingdom, on March 30, 1999. Getty Images

Residents watch a giant American B-52 bomber arrive at the RAF Fairford air base near Cirencester, Gloucestershire, February 21, 1999 as part of the NATO military build-up over Kosovo.AFP

A B-52 Bomber accompanied by A F-16 Fighter. Getty Images

The US military is sending nuclear-capable B-52H “Stratofortress” bombers to the Middle East at short notice to deter aggression and help preserve regional security.

The US Central Command said on Sunday the “long-range mission into the Middle East demonstrates the US military’s ability to deploy combat airpower anywhere in the world on short notice and integrate into Centcom operations to help preserve regional stability and security”.

The B-52H is a goliath of the US military, able to carry 32,000kg of munitions – including nuclear missiles – over 14,000 kilometres without refuelling. The US often sends the aircraft as a show of strength and a deterrence to hot spots around the world.

“The ability to quickly move forces into, out of and around the theatre to seize, retain and exploit the initiative is key to deterring potential aggression,” Lt Gen Greg Guillot, 9th Air Force (Air Forces Central) commander, said.

“These missions help bomber aircrews gain familiarity with the region’s airspace and command and control functions and allow them to integrate with the theatre’s US and partner air assets, increasing the combined force’s overall readiness.”

Centcom said that during the mission, the bomber aircrews will work with air operations centres and other assets such as F-15E Strike Eagles, F-16 Fighting Falcons, KC-10 Extenders and KC-135 Stratotankers.

“Centcom is committed to preserving and protecting the freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce throughout the region,” Cpt Bill Urban, US Central Command spokesman, said. “The United States does not seek conflict, but continues to be postured and committed to respond to any contingency around the world.”

Cap Urban did not specify if there was any current heightened threat to the US or its Middle East allies.

The US has previously stationed B-52 bombers at its Al Udaid airbase in Qatar.