Posted on 04/09/2016 11:09:20 PM PDT by 11th_VA
American B-52 Stratofortress bombers have been sent for their first Middle East operational deployment since the 1991 Gulf War 26 years ago. The aircraft are flying from Qatar to bomb Islamic State targets. An undisclosed number of B-52s have arrived at the Al Udeid Air Base on Sunday, the US Air Force said.
The B-52 will provide the coalition continued precision and deliver desired airpower effects, Lt. Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr., commander, US Air Forces Central Command said in the statement.
The B-52 is a long-range multi-purpose heavy bomber. The Central Command last used them during Operation Desert Storm against Saddam Husseins Iraq, when the aircraft flew sorties from Saudi Arabia.
The deployment is meant to replace a contingent of B-1 Lancer swing-wing bombers which departed the Middle East in January for maintenance and a series of upgrades, the US Armys Stars and Stripes reported.
"The B-52 demonstrates our continued resolve to apply persistent pressure on Daesh and defend the region in any future contingency," Brown said, referring to Islamic State by its Arabic-language acronym.
The deployment comes shortly after Russia used its long-range Tupolev Tu-22, Tu-95 and Tu-160 bombers to strike terrorist targets in Syria. The Russian aircraft flew from their home bases over the Caspian Sea, Iran and Iraq to reach the Syrian territory.
(Excerpt) Read more at rt.com ...
Monkey see, monkey do.
About 75% of the smart weapons are not dropped by the fighters today due to the ROEs. I doubt they will bomb isis with the B52s using dumb bombs.
That was a bit of a metaphor - just like we understand that Trump isn't really going to erect a wall with Mexican money.
(Oh come on - you know that's just bluster also, right? Think it through....)
“So what will a B-52 do? This is a big nothing.”....
Keep in mind the B-52’s were sent to “replace” the B-1’s. How much use did the B-1’s get under odumbo’s watch, damn little. IMO, having the B-52 is like was stated, a “big nothing” as odumbo doesn’t have the backbone to unleash their potential.
Could also be used to drop supplies to ISIS in a pinch too couldn’t they? It’s bad we have to think this way but look at the track record of the First Muslim president.
All for show they will bomb targets they have been bombing for months now EMPTY DESOLATE AREAS!
Given this is Obama in the White House, those B-52's will be dropping food, munitions and military support for ISIS.
Let's not kid ourselves here. Obama supports ISIS.
On Nov 3, 2015, Obama sent F15C dog-fighters to Turkey. At the time, there was some chatter about an imminent Israeli attack on Iran. Cover story was that they were there to protect from incursions by Russia into Turkish airspace. I always thought they were there to send a message to Bibi.
B52s sort of serve that purpose too, no?
Maybe the F15C’s were sent to escort the B52’s. I still don’t trust this guy. He has only one true enemy in the region.
I take it as airplane rattling
That’s an awful lot of bombs to carry around to drop on nothing and then return back to base.
Dat RASIS, Dat RASIS
It’s a fly-over.
“”The B-52 will provide the coalition continued precision and deliver desired airpower effects,””
Too difficult to use plain English, sir? How about the B-52 can blast ISIS to pieces....IF WE ONLY HAD THE WILL!
No they won’t be dropping air launched cruise missiles. The B-52s are simply replacing the B-1s and will be doing the same mission. That is air interdiction and close air support. The USAF have been using strategic bombers for this role for decades. They can loiter for hours at high altitude and simply fulfil the role of precision guided bomb truck. The same role that they fulfilled in Afghanistan. They have recently upgraded to the new Sniper targeting pod.
http://www.gizmag.com/b-52-sniper-pod/26802/
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