U.S. B-52 Bomber Conducts Flight Near Venezuelan Coast
A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress bomber flew in international airspace off the coast of Venezuela near Caracas on Thursday, November 21, 2024, according to North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). The flight was part of a routine presence operation in the region,NORAD stated,and the bomber was intercepted by venezuelan fighter jets.
The flyover occurs amid heightened geopolitical tensions and ongoing U.S. military activity in Latin America. While NORAD emphasized the flight was routine, the incident underscores the strategic importance of the region and the U.S.’s continued military presence. The B-52, a long-range strategic bomber, has been a cornerstone of the U.S.strategic bomber force for over 60 years and is expected to remain in service until 2050. It is capable of carrying a wide range of weaponry, including gravity bombs, cluster bombs, precision-guided missiles, and joint direct attack munitions.
According to the U.S. Air Force, the B-52 is capable of delivering the widest range of weapons in the U.S. inventory. “Updated with modern technology, the B-52 is capable of carrying the full range of jointly developed weapons and will continue into the 21st century as an significant element of our nation’s defenses,” the Air Force states. Eight Pratt & Whitney TF33 engines power the B-52H,allowing it to fly at high subsonic speeds.
