US deploys B-52 strategic bombers to the Indian Ocean
The United States has deployed four B-52 strategic bombers to an airbase on Diego Garcia Island in the Indian Ocean. This was reported by MT_Anderson, who spotted the bombers on satellite images.
Here's What We Know
Satellite imagery shows that a total of 10 US strategic bombers are currently stationed at Diego Garcia: six B-2 stealth bombers and four B-52s. The redeployment took place on 7 May 2025, when the B-52s arrived in two pairs during the day. Other large aircraft are also visible in the image, including presumably KC-135 refuelling aircraft, as well as C-5 and C-17 transports. The KC-135s arrived on the island along with the B-2s.
?update?
- MT Anderson (@MT_Anderson) 8 May 2025
?NSF Diego Garcia??
The other 2x B-52s have arrived at Diego Garcia.
Quite a bit of firepower on the small atoll in the Indian Ocean.
6x B-2 stealth bomber
4x B-52 long range bomber
4-6x KC-135
1x C-5 or C-17
src?: @USGSLandsat
8 May 2025
Given 15m resolution, ... https://t.co/HA4d7X3fAu pic.twitter.com/ga3ZwOzxU6
The War Zone notes that it remains an open question whether the deployment of the B-52 means replacing the B-2 at the strategic base. Since their first deployment to Diego Garcia in March, the B-2s have been used to launch strikes against Iranian-backed Houthi fighters in Yemen. The United States recently reached a ceasefire agreement with them.
A B-2 bomber. Illustration: Wikipedia
The additional deployment of strategic bombers comes amid an exchange of strikes between India and Pakistan in the disputed region of Kashmir. However, US officials have assured that they have no intention of interfering in the conflict.
Source: MT_Anderson
