The US Air Force dispatched B-52H nuclear bombers to the area where Russia launched supersonic SS-N-22 Sunburn missiles

By: Maksim Panasovskiy | 01.04.2023, 14:12

US B-52 Stratofortress nuclear bombers visited the region where Russia launched several P-270 Mosquito supersonic missiles (NATO codified SS-N-22 Sunburn). They were escorted by Japanese fighters.

Here's What We Know

On March 28, 2023, the Russian Navy tested the P-270 Moskit supersonic anti-ship cruise missiles in the Sea of Japan. They successfully hit the target at a distance of about 100km.

Two days later, the US Air Force sent two B-52H Stratofortress nuclear bombers to the region. They were accompanied by Japanese F-15 Eagle and Mitsubishi F-2 fighters.

The US Air Force has begun to dispatch B-52H Stratofortresses more frequently in order to deter adversaries in unstable regions. In particular, the strategic bomber took part in a joint US-Republic of Korea exercise in early March amid nuclear and missile threats from North Korea.

The B-52 was created in the 1950s. The aircraft has a combat range of 14,000km without in-air refuelling. Its maximum payload is 32 tonnes. The US Air Force wants to upgrade the Stratofortress and use it with the new generation B-21 Raider bomber.

For this, Rolls-Royce will develop a new F130 engine. The propulsion system will extend the life of the B-52H by 30 years, i.e. until the 2050s. The first tests of the engine took place about a month ago at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Space Center in Mississippi.

Source: The Eurasian Times