Cold War B-52 Bombers Join U.S. Strikes on Iran

The Boeing B-52 Stratofortress, one of the oldest aircraft still flying in the U.S. arsenal, has joined combat operations against Iran as part of Operation Epic Fury, according to United States Central Command.

First flown in 1952, the long-range bomber has served in major conflicts including the Vietnam War, Gulf War, and the Global War on Terror. U.S. officials say the aircraft is now participating in strikes targeting Iranian ballistic missile facilities and command-and-control infrastructure.

CENTCOM reports that more than 2,000 targets inside Iran have been struck since the opening phase of the operation on February 28. The campaign has expanded to include long-range bombers such as the Rockwell B-1B Lancer, which conducted deep strike missions in coordination with other U.S. aircraft.

According to Dan Caine, the strikes have helped establish localized air superiority over key areas of Iran, enabling continued operations against missile launch sites and military command infrastructure.

Nicknamed “Stratosaurus” for its longevity, the B-52 remains capable of carrying roughly 70,000 pounds of bombs, mines, and missiles. Its adaptable design and large internal structure have allowed the aircraft to undergo decades of upgrades, potentially keeping it in service for nearly a century.