https://sputnikglobe.com/20260920/us-relies-on-aging-b-52s-as-bomber-force-struggles-to-keep-pace-1124765409.html

US Relies on Aging B-52s as Bomber Force Struggles to Keep Pace

US Relies on Aging B-52s as Bomber Force Struggles to Keep Pace

Sputnik International

The US Air Force has increased the number of operationally available B-52 Stratofortress bombers by nearly 40% as part of a new readiness campaign aimed at addressing long-standing maintenance, spare parts, and logistics problems, Military Watch Magazine reports.

2026-09-20T11:18+0000

2026-09-20T11:18+0000

2026-09-20T11:18+0000

military

us

us air force

air force global strike command (afgsc)

washington

vietnam war

b-52

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The increase comes as Washington faces pressure to maintain enough long-range strike capacity for global operations, with Air Force Global Strike Command seeking to restore the availability of its key bomber platforms.Delays to the B-21 program and limited numbers of newer bombers have forced the US to continue relying on the aging Vietnam War-era B-52 fleet. The B-52H remains the most widely deployed US bomber, with 76 aircraft in service, while modernization plans for the B-52J standard have faced delays and rising costs.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20260917/pentagon-acknowledges-practice-of-cannibalizing-b-52-bombers-due-to-parts-shortage-1124749443.html

washington

2026

News

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us, us air force, air force global strike command (afgsc), washington, vietnam war, b-52

The US Air Force has increased the number of operationally available B-52 Stratofortress bombers by nearly 40% as part of a new readiness campaign aimed at addressing long-standing maintenance, spare parts, and logistics problems, Military Watch Magazine reports.