The US is replacing the B-2 stealth bombers it deployed to its base at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean with B-52 bombers, US officials have told Reuters.
The US began deploying the B-2s to Diego Garcia in March as President Trump was threatening to bomb Iran and was carrying out heavy airstrikes in Yemen. Trump also deployed an additional aircraft carrier to the Middle East, a second THAAD missile defense system to Israel, and other air assets to the region.
Between March 15 and May 6, the US launched over 1,000 strikes on Yemen, killing over 200 civilians. According to Fox News reporter Jennifer Griffin, the US used the B-2 bombers it deployed to Diego Garcia for some of the attacks.
Tensions in the region have cooled since Trump ended his bombing campaign in Yemen, and the US has held several rounds of talks with Iran.
But the US is maintaining its additional force posture in the region, and Trump administration officials have still been threatening an attack on Iran if negotiations to reach a nuclear deal fail, even though there’s no evidence Tehran is working toward a nuclear weapon.
Satellite images have shown that in recent days, four B-52 bombers and at least six B-2s have been deployed to the base. The US officials speaking to Reuters said the B-52s were there to replace the B-2s.
The main difference between the two aircraft is the B-2’s stealth ability. Both bombers can carry the heaviest bombs in the US arsenal, including nuclear weapons.
Lets bring in wooden ships with sails too and the cavalry on horseback. Saves more $ to fuel that new cool big and beautiful payoff super plane bribe for good king donnie and his lovely wife…
Yu mean "donnie and his ornament". Melania has spent only a few days in the White House since January. She only shows up here and there for a photo op, which most likely costs Donald a bundle.
Good times for one and all
Great US Navy exits the Red Sea promising never to return yet bragging the other guys "capitulated"… Hmmm?
Perhaps these B-2s aren't as stealthy as advertised; it would be an embarrassment if one got shot down. The Great US Air Force Air Show would collapse… Trillions $$$ overspent and wasted.
The US Navy has significantly increased its presence and activity in the Red Sea, particularly in response to Houthi attacks on commercial shipping. The Navy is actively involved in protecting international shipping, countering drone and missile threats, and adapting its tactics in real-time. —Do you have a problem with that?
Attacking Iran with B52s that can easily get shot down…?! Since B2s got bailed out back to Missouri…!
What do you think will happen if they shoot down a B52? Do you think things will get better for those who shoot one down or worse. No one in the region is going to win an arms race with the US, the European Union, or Israel.
You can't leave stealthy B-2's out in to open for too long. Those stealth surfaces are fragile and are eroded by weather. DG lacks enough proper shelters for those planes.