In its sixth decade of operational service, the B-52 Stratofortress is the most combat capable bomber in the U.S. inventory and can perform the greatest variety of missions of any bomber platform in the fleet.
With completion of a re-engining program and upgrades in avionics, combat communications, and future payload and munitions capabilities, such as hypersonic weapons, the B-52 will deter potential adversaries by providing the United States with immediate nuclear and conventional global strike capability well into the 21st century.Due to its high mission-capable rate, large payload, long range, persistence and ability to employ both nuclear and conventional precision standoff weapons, the B-52 continues to be a critical contributor to Air Force Global Strike Command’s capability and deterrence value to U.S. Strategic Command in support of the U.S. National Security Strategy.