(PresidentialHill.com)- For the fourth time this year, the US Central Command’s Ninth Air Force flew two B-52 bombers over the Middle East in an apparent show of force in the region.
The two B-52H Stratofortresses, which participated in the flyover as part of a Bomber Task Force mission on September 4, are a long-distance military combat plane capable of carrying nuclear weapons. They are capable of strategic attack, air interdiction, close-air support, offensive counter-air, and maritime operations.
The bombers were part of a theater integration training and operations exercise with the US Air Force and ally aircraft that included F-15/18, RJ-135, E-3, KC-135/10/46, FGR-4, and A-330, according to the Ninth Air Force, the air component of US Central Command.
According to Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, commander of the Ninth Air Force, the Bomber Task Force represents the United States’ enduring commitment to the region.
The bombers took off from an airbase in Fairford, England and flew over the eastern Mediterranean, the Arabian Peninsula, and the Red Sea.
Participating with the US aircraft were fighters planes from the UK Royal Air Force, as well as the air forces of Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Representatives from 16 nations provided logistical support on the ground.
According to the Ninth Air Force, the Bomber Task Force’s combined operation heightens regional stability and security capabilities “to remain postured and ready to defend U.S., coalition, and allied forces and interests in the region.”
On Monday, the Israeli Defense Forces confirmed that three Israeli F-16 fighter jets had accompanied the US bombers over Israel’s airspace on their way to the Persian Gulf.
US Central Command was expanded in 2021 to include Israel to further encourage regional cooperation against Iran.
